ECHING

„Good lighting is like playing billiards“

From 18 to 21 July, the Wendelin Sachtler Academy was devoted to the subject of lighting. Speaker Leo Borchard demonstrated the effects possible with this many-faceted medium, using practical examples so that the five participants returned to their sets with lots of new lighting know-how. Film-maker Christoph Friedhöfer reports on his workshop experience.

When preparing to light a scene, there are always theoretical considerations. So the Basic Industrial Lighting Workshop kicked off with the basic theory: what options for lighting and lighting control are there in general? How can I achieve the best possible lighting for my scene? Colour and light character and standard lighting situations were discussed in detail. The participants also took an in-depth look at specific situations.

Everyone took the opportunity to learn all the details about different types of spotlights, the use of correction and diffusion filters and how to achieve particular photographic styles. The workshop also focussed on the use of equipment to measure light and exposure, appraising light situations and their photographic or electronic recording, as well as ways of planning and reconstructing lighting moods and arrangements.

Elegant solutions for light and shade

After the concentrated theory on the first day, there were three days of practical training and experiment in the Academy studio. Lighting a balalaika with a shiny body or an old portable radio with lots of chrome fittings on a matt black surround proved tricky problems. However, good teamwork and the professional advice of Leo Borchard helped to find an elegant solution.

As well as lighting portrait situations in normal or low-key style, we progressed to lighting a complete set. Sachtler’s prototype workshop with its compact equipment proved the perfect location. The most demanding task came right at the end: lighting a car on the move.

Exchange of experience in a relaxed atmosphere

With five participants, the workshop developed extra intensity. When viewing the results together on a big studio monitor, Leo Borchard was able to concentrate on individual participants’ specific questions about their practical work. The discussions between the presenter and the seminar guests were often so animated that lunch-time and coffee breaks were also devoted to talking shop, with a lively exchange of experience.