How can you create consistent lighting across different shots?

Planning is important. Even if it looks like the person in the video is doing some random things and the shot's lighting is still perfect, there is a high possibility that he/she already practiced it and checked it several times before finalizing the best one to present. But if you are talking about shooting a YouTube video while moving even a bit away from the lighting and the exposure increases or decreases making the video flashy or dull in some frames? Then you should consider the first freeze where you find lighting more suitable to your eyes and quickly lock your exposure settings. It will significantly increase the quality of your video and the lighting will look more consistent.

Planning is essential: know your location and get familiar with the lighting in the location, whether it be natural or artificial. Get to know the space so you know what lights will and won't work within the space. Know what you want in your scene because objects cast shadows and reflect light. Build and use a shot list and lighting diagram, and collaborate with your camera department so you have a realistic idea of the best way to light a scene.

To maintain consistent lighting across different shots, use manual camera settings, set a custom white balance, and stick to the same lighting equipment and positions. Utilize a light meter, monitor the camera's histogram, and take test shots for adjustments. Fine-tune colors and exposure in post-production, maintain a shot list with lighting notes, avoid mixing light sources, communicate with your team, and record camera and lighting settings for reference. These steps ensure a cohesive look in your photos or videos.

🔮 Magic isn’t just for wizards—planning can have mystical results in photography too! Creating consistent lighting isn't just about lugging around heavy equipment. It's a dance with the sun and shadows. Plan your shoot around the Golden Hour for that soft, dreamy light, or use cloud cover as nature's diffuser. But here's the kicker: sometimes, consistency is about embracing the inconsistencies. Let slight changes in light add depth and drama to your series, turning a simple photo shoot into a storytelling session. Plan, yes, but also play!

Before you start planning the lighting for your next project, you need to know what you want to achieve with your video and how you want to realise this through the lighting. You need to consider - what is the genre, style, and messaging of your video? Who is your target audience and what are their expectations? How do you want them to feel in any particular scene or sequence? How do you want to use colour, contrast, and shadows to convey your story? These questions will help you define your objectives and guide your overall lighting decisions and aesthetic.

If you don't have a light meter you can get a lot of this data through your camera by using zebra bars, histogram, spot metering, and false color. There's also a company that makes a small meter called Lumu that attaches to your phone and turns it into a light and color meter.

🎚️ Ever think a gadget could read the future? Enter the light meter—your crystal ball in the photography world! When planning for consistent lighting, this tool is a game changer. It doesn't just measure light; it ensures each frame holds the same mystical quality, regardless of the celestial shifts above. Use it to match exposure settings across various shots, maintaining a uniform look effortlessly. And the twist? Sometimes, the light meter will surprise you, pushing you to adjust and capture a moment even more magical than planned.

💡 Controlling light might seem like wielding a magic wand, but it's all about mastering the mundane: diffusers, reflectors, and blackout curtains. Want consistent lighting? Sculpt it yourself. By manipulating these tools, you can maintain uniform illumination across your shots, no matter the whims of the weather outside. The unexpected twist? Sometimes, it's the stray beam of light that escapes your control that adds the perfect touch of brilliance to your shot, turning planned photography into a serendipitous masterpiece. Control, but don't overdo it—let the light play its part.

To master lighting control, invest in quality tools like diffusers, filters, flags, gels, and dimmers. Understand light behavior and experiment with placement to minimize unwanted effects. Utilize diffusers to soften harsh light and color correction tools to adjust color casts creatively. Strategically employ flags to shape and block light spillage. Regularly check for flickers in artificial light sources. Practice with dimmers for precise intensity adjustments. Study professional setups and adapt techniques. Continuous experimentation and practice are crucial for refining skills and developing a unique lighting style.

To achieve consistent lighting in your scenes, match light sources using tools like white balance, color correction, and grading. You should plan lighting setups for uniform light sources with similar color temperatures. Utilize reference tools such as color meters for accuracy. Manually set the white balance for natural colors. Conduct test shots to adjust lighting as needed, ensuring continuity between shots. Develop a structured post-production workflow for consistent results and continually improve color correction skills. These strategies streamline the process, producing visually appealing footage with balanced and uniform lighting.

It is best to build your light kit to your goals and then it's all about trial and error. There are the basics in lighting and then there is the creativeness that is more difficult to accomplish across the board, but consistency while using the same kit will work to your advantage.