This is the first video in the DV Cinematography Series from dvCreators.net. 

If you read the marketing hype on this DVD box, you'll see that this video is "a complete course in Hollywood lighting techniques adapted for the DV age."  I wish the marketing staff at dvCreators.net had not made that statement, because that is the only negative thing I can say about this video.  It's a bit of an overstatement to think that one can teach an entire course in DV lighting in 54 minutes.  Now, with that said... let's move on.

The title for this video is quite appropriate.  DV Enlightenment makes you think about light and how it effects what you shoot.  Josh and company give a very succinct overview, complete with many A/B examples of various lighting techniques.

There is a logical progression to understanding DV lighting and this video follows it to the tee.  Beginning with an overview of the types of lights used to the accessories that allow for it to all work together, amateur videographers will begin to develop a clear picture of what is ahead of them.

While Josh demonstrates 4 point lighting techniques using a Lowel lighting kit (marketed by dvCreators.net), this video is NOT an infomercial for their products.  In fact, repeatedly throughout its 54 minute run time, strong references are made to alternative and less expensive lighting methods that can achieve similar results.

This video covers a diverse spectrum of lighting situations ranging from small interior locations to outside shoots in ever changing sunlight. 

This video makes excellent use of examples.  As the crew sets up and plays "what if" with lighting placement, we are able to see the results, as it happens. 

One thing many amateur videographers (and possibly even some pros) tend to ignore, is that working with movie lights requires lots of power and the possibility for serious injury is always present.  I was glad to see this video address those issues.  Tips, such as readjusting the barn doors on a very hot key light can certainly be very hazardous to your hands unless you are wearing some thick garden gloves.  However, it is your responsibility to bring them to a shoot and use them.  Also, overloading a 15 amp breaker with too many lights, not only can ruin a perfectly good take but can also set your location ablaze.

Recommendation:  The production quality of this video was excellent.  It's content left me wanting more.  While I take exception to statements made by overzealous marketing types, this video is very informative and should be viewed repeatedly.  It's organizational structure will allow you to go back and view individual segments relevant to your needs. 

The most important element of this video, at least for me, was that it begins to teach me how to view the things around me.  By looking at oil paintings in a museum to leafing through the pages of a photography magazine, one begins to pick up on the subtle nuances of lighting.

Author: Andy Browne

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