shooting 16mm at late evening/night

[Brian Rose]

For my feature, I need to shoot one scene at night. I've got Vision2 500T stock, and though it is a night, I will be shooting near a well lit building, and several street lights. That said, does anyone who has shot stuff under conditions like these have any tips they might find useful. I'd love to hear any input.

Sincerely,

Brian Rose.

[Brian Rose]

And I completely forgot: the scene I'm shooting involves a candlelight vigil, so there will be 15 or 20 people, each with a candle. Just thought I should add that, as I'm sure that'll make a difference.

Best,

BR

[Guest Frank Gossimier]

For the candlelight vigil, shoot as wide as your lens will go, F2.2 or 1.8 will work well. There is no risk of over exposure I can guarantee you that.

 

I would group your people as tightly as possible to benefit from the combined strength of the candles.

 

If you have bright street lights also shoot wide open, unless the person is right under them, then just meter and dial in the F stop accordingly.

 

Generally street scenes at night shot with 500 ASA are always shot with the aperature wide open if you want to get as much detail as possible.

 

Keep in mind your depth of field under these conditions will be VERY limited on tight shots.

 

 

 

Frank

[Dan Salzmann]

The fact that you will have sources of light in the frame helps alot. Even the smallest point of bright white helps the shadows from going murky.

Current Kodak emulsions are amazingly good.

Fast primes with hard mattes and you're in business.