Elevating Your Image Through Lighting

Tyler Kern on Aug 28, 2020

Duncan Johnson Podcast film In Focus Interview Set Up Josh Brummett Podcast lighting Lighting a Scene Lighting Techniques Set Up Video

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Josh Brummett, MarketScale Senior Director of Video Production, hosted Duncan Johnson to discuss how to become a master of lighting. Johnson is an experienced filmmaker with a well rounded background of photography, film, and video projects.

Johnson spoke to his background in the industry and his introduction to lighting and how it has shaped his career.

“The principals are more important than the tools,” said Johnson. He explained that understanding the fundamentals of lighting can lead to high quality productions even when budget limitations or remote locations can prevent the use of lighting equipment.

Brummett asked how the approach to lighting changed for different production types. Johnson spoke about the approach to lighting interview or document setups and how production quality can be increased greatly with access to more and more lighting equipment. When it comes to narrative, “it’s a constant problem solving situation,” Johnson said. He spoke to the challenges that present themselves when working in different environments and the opportunity to make something truly unique and incredible.

The pair also dove into the change in lighting technology, especially the transition from tungsten lighting to LED. The colors, functionality, and efficiency of LED lighting have revolutionized the industry, but tungsten lighting still has its place. Synergizing past and present technology can create unique views.

Brummett and Johson wrapped up their discussion by talking about how to build a lighting kit on a shoestring budget and that utilizing nontraditional materials to create lighting that still looks professional. They also discussed how to leverage online resources from lighting professionals for self-education.