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How to use video light for wedding photography and videography?

Wedding photography and videography ask for several skills to make the prints look professional. Lighting is one of the key sections. It is essential in creating fantastic photos and videos. In this article, we will list some tips to use video light for wedding photography and videography. And before that, let’s learn the difference between them.

Understand the difference between wedding photography and videography

Videography and photography are becoming required components of modern weddings. They are related to each other but quite different. It is critical to distinguish between wedding videography and wedding photography. The following is their major difference.

While taking pictures is quite easy, taking a video requires a bit more skill. The problem of filming weddings is always present for the videographers. Controlling the gadgets consistently is necessary for this. The videographer needs to be more physically fit since he must move quickly between locations. Less time is available for the filmmaker to alter in videography. Planning for videography must start much earlier and be accurate.

It's a little simpler to snap photographs. It necessitates inconsistent movement. By taking his time, the photographer may make adjustments. Errors are still prevalent, though. In photography, gadget control is less crucial, but the photographer still has to stay attentive when taking the picture. This is due to the fact that only the greatest images may be deemed to be up to par.

Specific tips for using video lights for wedding photography

Learning how to use video light for wedding photography is the most challenging aspect for the majority of photographers. The key forms of lighting for wedding photography are summarized below:

Set up back lighting

You have a backlight in addition to your main (key) light. As you are aware, subject separation is the primary purpose of the backlight. The backlight adds dimension in addition to the primary light, which is what gives a picture a sense of depth.

We won't dive too further into backlighting here because it is a whole separate topic. Simply stated, using backlighting gives you the creative freedom to experiment and take stunning pictures.

Use bounce method

The bounce technique is the simplest to set up and uses a minimal amount of wedding photography video light. In actuality, it covers using a single light. 

You just need to direct the video light at the wall or ceiling in the room if there is a white surface present to bounce the light off of. The end effect is a pleasing, soft, and homogeneous light that is great for portraits and getting ready images.
Mix ambient lights with artificial lights

For the best effect, you should be able to employ both natural light and LED video light for wedding photography. For instance, while photographing a wedding group or a couple outside against a sinking sun. Of course, a setting sun closer to the horizon will cause a metering headache, and you should ideally be shooting when the sun has truly gone down and not still at the horizon; the trouble is, for the best results in such conditions, you will need to blend both ambient and artificial lighting.

The secret, in any case, is to meter for the backdrop and then add the artificial lights to light up your couple/wedding party. This guarantees that you don't overrun the ambient light and just add enough to appropriately light the couple.

[Besides wedding photography, video lights can also be used for cosplay photography lighting. Click here and learn how to set it up.]

Tips to light up wedding videos

Here are some tips from the leading wedding videographers on how to make the most of exterior lighting.

Understand the difference among types of video light for wedding videography

As a skilled wedding filmmaker, you should understand how different external sources of light are. There are several items on the market. It is your responsibility to experiment with lighting and illumination accessories until you find the ideal ones. Such information will make choosing the proper equipment for any videography project much easier.

Color temperature matters

You need consider factors other than light intensity and positioning. The color temperature is important.

Kelvin is the unit of measurement for color temperature (K). Cool tones, such as daylight, have a higher reading of around 10,000K. Warm lights, such as those seen at sunrise or sunset, have a lower temperature of around 3,000K. The temperature of candlelight is around 1,000K.

Avoid combining chilly and warm light temperatures for the best effects. A combination of the two can result in color balance difficulties with your film that will be tough to rectify during the wedding video editing process.

Use the wedding video lighting that make you feel the most at ease

There are various approaches to get the same outcome. While textbooks prescribe specific standards for videographers to follow, it ultimately comes down to convenience. Several elements will require your attention throughout the wedding shoot. As a result, shifting lights around and ensuring you have the best configuration isn't always practical.

Visit the location ahead of time and consult with the wedding planner about the sorts of lighting that will be used. Is there a projector that lights the location of the wedding ceremony? Will there be candles or lamps on the tables? Such information will assist you in developing an action plan and deciding what lights for wedding videography are needed.

Avoid glares

The final factor to consider is glare. When light is reflected in glasses and bright surfaces, it can easily cause glares. As a result, you should always do a preliminary test to decide the best spot to position the video light.