In the realm of news studio lighting design, achieving a professional and visually appealing setup requires more than just the standard 12-point ring lighting or 3-point lighting configurations. Incorporating accent lights, fill lights, and eye lights is essential for enhancing the presenter’s image and adding artistic flair to the television broadcast. This blog post explores effective techniques for designing and arranging eye lights, fill lights, and accent lights in a news studio setting.
Eye Light Design in News Studios
Eye lights are a crucial element in news studio lighting, typically positioned behind the camera at eye level with the subject. Small LED spotlights are commonly used to create this effect. For an optimal result, a small catch light should appear in the subject’s eyes on camera. Special considerations are needed for different subjects to ensure detailed and flattering lighting.
For example, when lighting female presenters, the angle of the eye light should not be too steep to avoid casting dark shadows around the eye sockets and creating prominent dark circles or bags under the eyes. Adjustments to the brightness and angle of the eye light should be made by a professional gaffer based on the facial features of the presenter to achieve the best visual outcome.
Fill Light Design in News Studios
When designing fill lights for news studios, using soft, large-area LED panel lights can create a gentle and pleasing effect. These lights should be positioned to complement the low-angle key light used for soft filming of the subject. Additionally, placing two symmetrical backlights behind the presenter can highlight their hairstyle and add depth to their appearance, enhancing their overall presence on screen.
Accent Light Design in News Studios
Accent light is particularly important for certain scenarios, such as virtual studio recordings where backlights may cast shadows on the subject’s waist. An LED panel light can effectively eliminate these shadows. For male presenters, a slightly steeper light angle can emphasize their features and convey a sense of authority. The contrast between key, back, and side lights should be higher for male presenters compared to female presenters to highlight their distinctive characteristics. When presenters wear contact lenses, avoid using direct frontal lighting. Instead, opt for a key light angled at 45 degrees to prevent reflections on the lenses, with a lower shooting angle.
The art of news studio lighting is a complex blend of aesthetics and functionality, adhering to the principles of cleanliness and simplicity. Different subjects and settings require tailored lighting approaches to achieve the best results.
