Using the GVM Light Kit
Overview
Review of how to light a subject for video shoots using a three light set-up.
Unpacking the light kits
Welcome to the Great Video Maker light kit training. Let's take a look at what's included in the light kit. Each kit includes three of almost everything. There are three lights with barn doors, three light stands, three power cables, three soft diffusers, three enhanced soft diffusers, three sets of diffuser mounting brackets, and a remote control. First, we will set up a light stand. Make sure the feet are spread out far apart. Raise the light stand and tighten the knots. Next we will put the light on the top of the stand. There are two ways to configure the light on the light stand. You can put it on the stand vertically. You can also configure the light horizontally. This makes it easier to adjust if you are raising the light above the subject to light down on them, like you would with a backlight.
Light Kits - using the diffusers
Next, we will add the soft diffuser. It slides in from the top of the light. Make sure the plastic bracket is pulled out to keep the diffuser in place. Most lights will come with the barn doors already mounted. The barn doors help to focus the light or block it depending on what is needed. If you feel the light is too hard or it's creating too many shadows, you can install the enhanced soft diffuser. First, you need to install the barn doors. You will need a 2.5mm Allen wrench to remove them. Once removed, you can return all of the screws back into place, so they do not get lost. Next you will need the two provided mounts and the enhanced soft diffuser. These are easily screwed into the top and bottom of the light. Then the diffuser is mounted using the four provided silver screws. This will provide a much softer light on the subject.
Light Kits - setting up and using the lights
Now you're ready to plug in the power adapter and turn on the light. You will notice on the power switch that you can turn it to battery power or adapter power. No batteries are provided. So use the adapter power. Once you turn on the light, you will see a display screen power on and lots of buttons and knobs on the back. On the bottom right you will see a knob that says intensity. This is where you will control how bright you will like the light. Even with the diffuser on minimum light intensity, it's still plenty of light. On the bottom left. You will see a know that says CCT, which stands for correlated color temperature. This is where you can light for indoor or outdoor color temperatures. If you are shooting inside without any outside light for windows, turn the knob to 3,200, which will make the LEDs look orange.
If you are shooting with outdoor light, turn the knob to 5,600, which will look more blue. Try to place the light at least six feet away from the subject on either side of the camera. If you are using these for a computer camera, make sure they are not casting a shadow from the computer monitor. If you have a space behind you for a third backlight, place it just outside the camera shot six to 10 feet behind you. Your back light brightness should be low. Make sure it is pointed at the back of your head and shoulders. Not the side of your face.
Light Kits - Using the remote control
These lights have a wireless function. You can control all three lights from one light panel. First using the mode button, set every light to rotate. Then set one light to master and the other to slave. You can now control all three lights from the master light. Another wireless option is to use the remote control, set all of the lights to rotate then to slave. Using the directional buttons on each light panel, name each light with a different G R value, then power on the remote, select the number of the lights you want to adjust. Then control the color, temperature and intensity on the remote.
Set up video