{"id":82931,"date":"2017-03-01T07:00:02","date_gmt":"2017-03-01T13:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=82931"},"modified":"2017-03-01T11:48:57","modified_gmt":"2017-03-01T17:48:57","slug":"cinematography-control-light-with-nd-gels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/cinematography-control-light-with-nd-gels\/","title":{"rendered":"Cinematography Tip: Control Window Light With ND Gels"},"content":{"rendered":"

Take control of window lighting on your next shoot with ND filters.<\/h2>\n

Top image via Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Windows are light sources that can work wonders \u2014 if you use them correctly. They’re ideal for soft key lights\u00a0when the camera faces away from them. However, when cameras face windows providing backlight, trouble can arise. Unless you have a large lighting unit that can match the window light, you’re either going to have to drop the subject into a silhouette or expose for the actor which will blow out the window light.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s plenty of\u00a0discussion on whether or not filmmakers should allow window lights to blow out. It\u2019s a highly creative choice, and opinions will always differ. You might be surprised how many films and TV shows let window light clip. Take note next time you\u2019re watching something.<\/p>\n

\"Control<\/a><\/p>\n

For those who favor controlling window light, you can do so with\u00a0ND gels.<\/p>\n

ND Window Gels<\/h3>\n

Much like neutral density filters for\u00a0your lens, ND window film reduces the intensity of window light. Window gels, like camera density filters, come in a\u00a0variety of different strengths: .3, .6, .9, and 1.2. If you only have the budget to purchase one roll, you\u2019re going to want at least 2-3 (0.6-0.9) stops of density filtration because sunlight is incredibly bright (around 98,000 lux). Several brands offer this gel; one of the most reputable is Rosco. However, at around $120 for a 7-meter roll, you can quickly burn through your budget.
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\n<\/a>\"Control
\n<\/a>Image via Lighting Grip Las Vegas<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Attaching the Gel<\/h3>\n

A common practice is to attach the gel to the outside of the window to conceal its edges. If you decide to do so, it’s paramount to attach the gel\u00a0firmly to avoid light leaks and prevent the sound of the wind rustling the gel.<\/p>\n

If attaching the gel to the outside of the window is not a viable option, you can temporarily\u00a0bond the film to the window using a cleaning liquid like Windex. In the video tutorial below from Grip Tips, Dave Donaldson explains that it\u2019s important to completely clean the window before placing the ND film, as you want to ensure that film and the window appear seamless.<\/p>\n