Recently I have been doing a fair amount of still pool photography with models (posted elsewhere on this site), and I have been approached to do some commercial work. I am thinking of investing in high intensity continuous light sources, to allow better control and visualization of my underwater 'studio' lighting. At some point I may introduce video as well. Obviously these light sources need to be DC and submergible. I am certain that such light sources exist, I just do not know where to find them. Anyone have any suggestions; maybe there are folks who work in the film industry that know?
Portability is obviously not as important as intensity.
Loftus,
I remember seeing some of your excellent pictures. Would have loved to have been able to capture that on video and create something with it.
You may have to think about whether or not you want these lights to be surfaced supplied or whether you want regular lights that may go on your housing. If surface supplied, you will need some good underwater cable
(just so happens I have a hundred feet or so sitting in my garage collecting dust. You can have it) Then you will want to have sturdy stands for the lights. Even in a pool, an unweighted stand would not be trustworthy. You can always weigh down stands with weight belts and such though. Because pools can be very reflective you will want to light things in a similar manner as you would 3 point light a topside subject. One or two lights with good diffusers, a key and back light.
Steve B)
Hi Jeff,
I suggest talking with Fathom Films - they gave me a lot of good suggestions about lighting and gels. You can find them via a google search I bet.
Cheers
James
Thanks guys. James, I'll contact Fathom Films.
Sounds like a DIY job with some old in-pool side lights. Not sure what the wattage on those things are though.
Depending on what sort of output you want, you can try these 3 HMI lights.... the canadian Nuytco 200W, the PV200 by Lou Prezelin at Pacific Visions and the Halcyon 200W. I have to say Lou's PV200 is probably the best design of the 3, using Li Ion packs. Li Ion doesn't last as long as NiMH lifewise but it's more compact for the same power. Also more expensive
If you want some over head from the surface lights, a typical Lowell kit like the FREN L which is variable focus will be fine... oh and make sure you power lines can't reach the pool The Lowell legs are aluminum but not made for submersion. But they do work in a pitch.
The Lowell legs are aluminum but not made for submersion. But they do work in a pitch.
