"Brightening It Up" with Reflector Disk

A reflector disk is a simple yet powerful tool used in photography and videography to control and shape light. It works by bouncing existing light—whether natural sunlight or artificial illumination—onto your subject, reducing shadows and creating a more balanced exposure. 

Click Here to View the Reflector Disk in Action

  

Avoiding taking photographs or shooting video into the sunlight can be difficult. This can shut down the camera's iris and make a person's face look darker than is desirable. 

Here is Jalen Gasque's "before" photo. 

Here is Jalen Gasque's "after" photo.

After the reflector disk is deployed, the lighthing on the subject has improved.

Here we see the choreography of where the video camera and disc are positioned. 

Summer Gray holds the large disc so that it captures the direct sunlight and bounces it into Jalen's face. RJ Steadman stands behind the camera to mock a news broadcast.

Reflected light can be extremely bright—sometimes even blinding—so you should avoid placing it directly behind the camera. Instead, position it slightly off to the side. 

This placement helps illuminate one side of the subject’s face, creating a more flattering and visually appealing look.

Here is another angle showing where the key players in this production are positioned. 

Reflector discs, like the one held by Summer Gray, folds down to the size of frisbee and fits in a carry bag. It's a vital tool to have among a video producer's cameras, microphones and lights. 

What I learned from completing this project is how to use a reflection disk to reduce sunlight behind a report to illuminate their face. 

"Getting Lit" with Three-Point Lighting!

A mainstay of photography, videography, film, and television is three-point lighting. It uses three separate light sources: the key light, which is the main and strongest light that defines the subject’s overall form; the fill light, which softens shadows created by the key light and adds balance; and the back light (or rim light), which shines from behind to separate the subject from the background and create a sense of depth. 

Below are images and descriptions of how I use three-point lighting on my fellow classmate, Shamari Blanding. 

WIDE SHOT WITH NO LIGHTS

Shamari Blanding (right) is at the center of this popular, widely-used lighting concept. You see the video camera's position in front of Shamari and the three lights surrounding her. The key light (tallest light on the left) is positioned at a 45-degree angle from the camera. You do not want it right behind the camera because it could be blinding to Shamari. 

CLOSE-UP WITHOUT LIGHTS

This close-up shot of Shamari is without the lights on. Without the lights, the photo is darker and not highlighting her facial features. The background also looks dull and no shadows are casted behind her. 

KEY LIGHT

Here is Shamari with the key light only. You see how it illuminates her face, especially her left side. So there's a big improvement already in the photo/video quality with just the 500-watt key light. 

But notice too how the right side of her face is shadowed. This leads us to the fill light (shown in the wide shot photo above along the right side). This light should not be as bright as the key light. If it is the same wattage, then the move is to pull it back from the subject because all we want the fill light to do is remove that shadow from the right of Shamari's face. 

KEY LIGHT AND FILL LIGHT 

Here is Shamari with both the key light and the fill light. Now the light is more evenly distributed and not leaving a shadow casted upon her face. The background is also more brighter in contrast to the key light only photo.

Next, we use the backlight. Scroll up a bit to see the wide shot (lighting placed behind Shamari). Note that the backlight is behind the subject on the same side as the key light. 

KEY LIGHT, FILL LIGHT AND BACKLIGHT

Here is the final photo with all three-point lighting. See how the backlight gives subtle illumination to Shamari's hair, clothing, and her left side temple area. The background also is much brighter in contrast to the photo above.

     WIDE SHOT WITH NO LIGHTS

Here's Shamari Blanding imitating the figure seen in the helpful diagram of the three-point lighting arrangement. Shining like the star she is!

What I learned from this project was how to use three-point lighting to properly light a subject and what each of the lighting does and how they capture the subject in photos.

Desire Treats LLC Commercial

For my 60 Second Commercial Project, I have chosen the illustrious Desire Treats LLC owned by Ralphine LaRosa, located in Florence, South Carolina. Named after her youngest daughter, Desire Treats LLC services in cakes, pies, cookies, and more delicious homemade desserts! Click here to listen to hear my first radio commercial! 

COMMERICAL SCRIPT

When your sweet tooth calls… answer with Desire Treats LLC! From rich, velvety cakes to fresh-baked cookies that melt in your mouth, or even a savory pie every bite is crafted with passion — and a whole lot of love.

Whether it’s birthdays, celebrations, or “just because,” Desire Treats brings homemade flavor right to your table. Custom orders? She got you. Cravings? She cures them. 

Located in Florence, SC, Call 843-758-0309 to place your order today! Or email rralphine@yahoo.com 

Treat yourself today.
Desire Treats LLC — where every dessert is made to be desired.

                       Click on the video below to view the commercial!

"Walking With D'Vonte Allen" Action Sequence

 

Follow communications senior D'Vonte Allen as he takes a stroll around SC State's lovely campus! This new assignment in my Basic TV Production class is called "Action Sequence",  capturing a person step-by-step as they walk from one to place to another. Click on the video below to take a walk with D'Vonte Allen and visit his blog for more of his personal content!

Working on this project, I've learned how to become the director and videographer, and later the editor using Adobe Premiere Pro to put it all together with titles and music and the clips that should be edited together into a smooth, flowing process. 

The Education and Life Soundbites of Dr. Demi Washington

Dr. Demi Washington, SC State Professor (pictured on the right), was interviewed by fellow SC State students about his experiences with graduating high school at 16-years-old, attending multiple colleges , and how he continues to pursue more education! Dr. Demi Washington teaches courses in both journalism and broadcasting concentrations.

Visit his biography on SC State's page to learn more!

Soundbite 1

Dr. Demi Washington talks about what led him to investigate journalism

Soundbite 2

Dr. Demi Washington shares the hardest curriculum he experienced during his college years!

Soundbite 3

Dr. Demi Washington explains why he continues to pursue his education after earning his Ph.D!

Campus Conversations with RJ Steadman & Summer Gray

In this segment of Campus Conversations, host RJ Steadman is interviewing senior communications major Summer Gray on her experiences at SC State, her advice for future graduates, and her plans for the future! Click on the video below to get the full scoop!

Visit the blogs of RJ Steadman and Summer Gray for more of their personal content.

                  

Filming and directing this interview has taught me how to  record specific shots needed to piece the completed interview so it looks like there were two cameras in use, not just one. 

Using Premiere Pro, I have learned how to edit and cut listening shots, reverse questions, used "supers" to identify the participants, and use background music courtesy of Incompetech!

Campus Connection with Alia Goode

 

Welcome to a new segment of Campus Connection, with special guest Alia Goode! In this five question interview, I was able to get to know more about Alia as a communications major at SC State. Click here to hear what Alia has to say! 

                        Check out more about Alia Goode on her personal blog here!