You should always be thinking about how to use light to enhance your video. Lighting is super important in giving your film a certain mood. Unlike changing lights to how you want them in a studio, you have to work with what mother nature is providing that day. Depending on what you are filming outside, the time of day and weather are very important to note to give your video the best feel overall.
Be sure to plan ahead! Look at the upcoming weather and see what day is best to film your video. For example, if you want snow on the ground, make sure to be ready as snow may not last very long. Film all those scenes in one day if possible since so can come and go overnight. Weather can be unpredictable, always give yourself another day to film. Just because the news says it will be sunny does not mean it will. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket or you may end up with nothing to show.
The most sought after lighting is the famous golden hour. This is the period of time shortly after sunrise or before sunset. This lighting will make everything look stunning. Be sure to use this to your advantage if time permits it. It can completely transform the look and tone of a shot.
For the other hours of the day, be mindful of where the sun is located. The sun during the middle of the day shining down can cast some shadows that can either look fantastic or ruin your shot. In contrast, having the sun beam directly onto what you are filming can make the whole shot washed out or feel bland. Use clouds as a natural filter to diffuse flashy lighting. Having the subject be directly in the sunlight can work for great lighting, but use angles to your advantage. Turn around and have the sun behind, this can give everything in your shot a warm glow, perfect if you want the mood to be happy and uplifting.
Natural lighting can be your best friend or your enemy. Make it your friend, play around with different lighting and angles outside. There are many ways you can utilize the sun and nature around you. Shadows cast from trees or other objects can add a lot of dimension.
Do you think golden hour is overused in film and photos?