The Studio Effect in Onsite Journalism
When their key light is too hot, meaning too powerful, they're lit more than the luminance level that is in the background. And that creates what is called a pop effect, making it look like there's a chroma key behind them, setting them on a virtual set with moving pictures behind them.
?Ol’ William Shakespeare once said, "All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players."
Understanding the Lighting (Kennel on Stage)
Whatever the reason, good lighting is crucial in journalism, particularly when working onsite. Sometimes, due to the environment, natural light is not sufficient or ideal to capture a journalist's appearance and the content they are reporting. This necessitates the use of artificial lighting to create the perfect setup for reporting.
In many cases, the key light is too strong, lighting the journalist more intensely than the background. This is called a pop effect and it creates a dramatic and dynamic visual presence. The background often appears less illuminated, and the result can look like the journalist is in a studio setting, complete with the background blur and the illusion of a screen behind them. This is not a bad thing for the viewer, as it helps the viewer focus on the journalist and the content they are reporting.
Lighting Techniques for Reporting: The LED Revolution
Traditional studio lighting systems often use fluorescent or tungsten lights, which can cast harsh shadows and create an unflattering look. However, modern journalism increasingly relies on LED lighting. LED lights are incredibly efficient, energy-saving, and come in many forms to match the requirements of different environments.
For a video journalist who may only have a few moments to make an appearance, LED lighting provides a versatile solution. They are lightweight, compact, and can be easily adjusted. The quality of the lighting provided by LED lights is excellent, striking a balance between natural and artificial lighting. This makes them a popular choice for both television and smartphone journalism.
Personal Care and Professional Appearance
Furthermore, reporters are always mindful of their appearance, especially if they have time to prepare. If a reporter looks unkempt or as if they have not taken care of their personal appearance, it usually means that conditions at the reporting location are poor, and real-time recording conditions are challenging. Personal care includes not just grooming but also posture and how one carries themselves on camera.
The Role of Artificial Lighting
When working in an environment where natural light is not available or adequate, artificial lighting becomes crucial. This can involve using a combination of key light, fill light, and backlight to enhance the visual appeal and control the lighting. By orienting the talent away from the sun, one can avoid squinting and add additional lighting to fill in unflattering shadows.
It is important to note that these techniques are not always necessary. Sometimes, the environment provides sufficient natural light, requiring minimal adjustment. However, when the environment does not cooperate, professional journalism thrives on the ability to adapt and create the best possible visual experience for the audience.
In conclusion, the appearance of “onsite” journalists and news anchors inside a studio-like environment is often due to the careful control and manipulation of lighting. Whether it's the pop effect, the use of LED lighting, or the mindful attention to personal appearance, journalism continues to evolve, adapting to the needs of the modern world.