Amazing Video Lighting Hack Using Mirrors!

[@PBentz28]

I’ll never forget the first time I was on a commercial set and heard the DP ask for a mirror. I thought it was going to be some industry term for something fancy. They pulled out a dusty cracked mirror, clamped it to a c-stand and created a phenomenal streak of light in seconds! Brilliant video Caleb!

[@Thomasfrank]

This is one of the most inspiring production technique videos I've seen in a while. Now heading out to Michael's to buy mirrors haha

[@MaineMountainMedia]

Dido!

[@tonyscalifornia]

Wow, I didn’t know productivity KZbinr watch cinematic KZbin setup video too haha. Anyway, love your video man, I listen to it everyday on the way to work

[@rockmyballsplease]

love that you said michaels.

[@castingkatemonakhova6308]

Thanks! Amazing, exactly what was looking for !

[@janacallmej9377]

Same !

[@SoggyBeatz]

I immensely appreciate your cost alternative ideas. I think (and hope) beginners are encouraged by videos like this one to look for creative ideas than just clamoring for expensive equipment.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you so much! Amazing what you can get using cheap gear. Especially in the lighting department.

[@hopepym78]

Yeah i am so unhappy knowing creating a sun light is so expensive but I came up to this video and dang i am so happy 😊

[@geraldundone]

Me: Caleb, what have you been up to lately? Caleb: Mirrors! Fun video, dude! That overhead shot of you looked fantastic!

[@futuredirection880]

Man! Might try it out once I can get my hands on some mirrors

[@zhaedt]

Wow Gerald Undone and I were watching at the same time. amazing!

[@adnamcarlos]

can´t wait to see one of yours reviews on mirrors!!!! hahahah

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Haha! Thats me alright! Thank you for the kind words brotha!

[@jirosaves_theworld]

let's get UNDONE!

[@mauriciolee7349]

Thank Caleb for this EXCELLENT video. The BEST thing is you also show me how to DIY mirrors using reflective tape & poster boards.

[@snwmrt6428]

I've pressed like first, pressed it again and then AGAIN just so I could like it twice! Unfortunately its not an everyday thing for youtubers to teach somethin 'new' anymore. Every single one of u is talkin about the same damn thing over and over again and acting like its all new. Infact its been a while since I learned somethin brand new about videography watching these channels... until today! What u tought today will change my brand video shooting forever. Thank you so much!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks great to hear! Thanks!

[@camerajames]

Always loved watched grips wrap 12x12 mirrors with packing tape, then smashing them on the ground. Keeps all the shards inside and makes for a very cool hard pattern mirror/reflector.

[@chrissymostuy]

It's nice to see this technique become more popular online. Mirrors come standard on almost every G/E truck rental. It's a technique as old as filmmaking itself!

[@NicolasWaldvogel]

If you're into mirrors, you should look into Ian Murray, an amazing DP that is notorious for his use of mirrors. The results speak for themselves. Keep the quality content coming man!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks for sharing! I'll definitely check him out!

[@Bryce.Padovan]

Oh man I couldn't agree more! Ian Murray is the best!

[@Pfahli94]

Hi Caleb, what an awesome effect! Just had an idea that would bring this to the next level. By putting a mirror onto a slider, you could create a moving sun effect that looks like a timelapse. This would work even better when changing the temperature of the Aputure Athen same time to simulate a sunset. Putting the camera on a motorised slider as well could lead to shots looking like they have been taken over the course of hours while in reality they were taken in a few seconds.

[@kylelimeback]

Omg you just blew my mind. I love the mirror on a motorized slider idea!

[@uniworkhorse]

Oml

[@uniworkhorse]

Imagine creating a spaceship effect

[@emilysha418]

I'm now wondering if I can do this in my darkass apt

[@edwardleefilms]

Over the years, I have learned so many DIY affordable filmmaking hacks from Caleb. Thank you so much for all that you do man! This filmmaking community would not be the same without you here on KZbin!

[@retlwiz]

So creative - I looked at the price of these mirror sets months ago and forgot about it, but you have done something so clever and simple. Will be getting into this now...

[@BreonNagy]

I was praying for a sunny day to capture the light coming through the blinds, but I'm on a deadline and this is a life saver

[@riparianstudios]

This is awesome, Caleb. I heard you on Camera and Flask a few weeks ago talking about wanting to get away from product reviews, and this is awesome and innovative. Another thing about mirrors you didn't mention is that you can squeeze them into spaces you'd never be able to fit a light, _especially_ the setups on posterboard

[@soamjena]

Oh wow, that was smart. Trying this right today in my KZbin studio with some cheap mirrors.

[@mrbardo]

Genius!!!!!! I was on the verge of buying a GOBO set up - you've just saved me a fortune! Thank you!!!!

[@kwa42]

i’ve discovered mirros recently and its so dope. another hack is tightly attaching rosco diffusion foil to reflect the light more softly - makes for an ultra cheap alternative to the light bridge mirrors

[@nelsonpun]

I love that you dont do the cliche filmmaker rgb lighting setup for ur videos. Its so refreshing

[@tombuck]

Super cool! DIY Perks did a video where he tried to create an artificial sun and explained why sunlight/shadows look the way they do. I think you’re implementing a bunch of those same ideas here, but in a much simpler and more affordable concept 😎

[@tomchurch]

Awesome! I love how you continue to focus on balancing budget, value and ingenuity to create high quality images. Tips and skills like this are what I wish more KZbinrs would implement instead of just sitting in front of a softbox with an RBG light on the background. Hopefully this helps more people see that the tools aren't the thing holding them back. Excellent work Caleb!

[@brandonmrsh]

Thank god for original content. As much as I love watching the 300d get unboxed, this is such a breath of fresh air!

[@essexii]

As always, a DSLR VS idea that is beyond golden. I have lost track the number of times I have used one of your recommendations. Please never stop.

[@evan]

Just got myself some acrylic mirrors and finally snagged a friction arm. Thanks for the dope stuff as always

[@thatwastricky]

Wooo, never thought about using mirrors (especially with tape) for light patterns I'm definitely gonna try it!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks man! Happy lighting!

[@nutellaontoast4281]

I use tinfoil wrapped over cardboard that is proped on a shelf but sometimes I tape it on a mic stand. Works rly well and ripple sin tin foil has an awesome effect

[@TheAaronalden]

This is incredible! I just bought a one foot 2-way mirror for use as a teleprompter, and I love that it can have multiple purposes in my kit!

[@VeggieWorldRecipes]

This video is so amazing! I watched it a few months back, purchased the mirror and clamps, and I am LOVING the results in my videos! Just came back to this video so that I can leave this comment because this was such a game changer for me and I watched so many videos and none were as helpful as this one! Thank you so much!!

[@ViktorHristovvv]

This video is a total game changer! Expect to see it all over KZbin in 2021! And thank you for the brilliant advice

[@superjunaid]

I've been fascinated with Mirrors as well and I've been putting mirrors around the house. Now to use them with these neat techniques...

[@simonwesterlund1]

Thanks!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you so much for the support!

[@tom_something]

These are great ideas! If you want to make a bunch of swappable gobos, I think magnets might be handy. You wouldn't even have to permanently fix the magnets to the mirror or your stencil. Just keep a few magnets in with your gear, then drag and drop them wherever they're needed.

[@HeyMJC]

Like someone said in your comments. You are painting with lights. Beautiful!

[@cheung2046]

Although we all know what mirror can do on set, but no one has done such systematic tutorial! You are the man! Thank you so much for this putting out! :-)

[@mikedmalott]

This is great Caleb! My challenge is taking this look and extrapolating it into video format. No stills, only movement. This got the gears turning!

[@ohmyMoha]

I loved the FAKE natural light hitting the backdrop. Looks Awesome 😁

[@vinubox]

A new era of lighting, thanks for sharing

[@MakeSomething]

Absolutely incredible!

[@MakeSomething]

@@AnthonyRose Ha! Hi Anthony!

[@AnthonyRose]

@@MakeSomething 👋👋👋

[@theTechNotice]

Caleb, add a 0:00 as the beginning chapter and you'll have chapters on the timeline of the video ;) They have to start from 0:00. 👍

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Good save! Completely forgot to add the first 0:00 marker!

[@DigbyPixels]

Have used mirrors in the studio for many years for stills photography but you have taken it to a whole new level- well done

[@dinitha11]

I wanted to exaggerate the water inside a bottle of gin in a key scene of a film. And I was puzzled on how to achieve this without directly pointing a light at it, spilling unnecessary light all over the room. You just gave me the perfect idea. Thanks, Caleb!

[@HonJazzz]

This was awesome! I recently updated my bathroom and thankfully I didn’t throw my old mirror out yet haha.

[@Matt.Gillard]

Caleb! Your videos have been so good this year it's insane! From the Ultimate BMPCC6k rig, to Ultimate Video Desk, now Mirrors!?!

[@melanienolley]

You have blown my mind, Calib. I actually attended a demo by Light Bridge and haven't been able to find an alternative until now! Thank you!

[@DodaGarcia]

I've been curious for a while about how useful mirrors could be in terms of multiplying light sources that aren't so powerful by themselves or helping shape light in the absence of barn doors, so thank you for this breakdown! I wonder if even more sun-like results could be achieved with parabolic mirrors?

[@slimyelow]

This is phenomenal. Exactly the hacks that I have been looking to solve for years.

[@alesko5]

I really appreciate that, despite your success, you continue to relate to and empathize with the budget-minded amateur videographers/filmmakers! Thanks, Caleb.

[@keuntaspan]

Love this idea for streaks and background texture. its shapable and the lines are so clean which normally requires flags and MORE stands. Definetely gonna play with this.

[@ericallnight]

This is so creative. You're one of the few filmmaker type youtubers that is really being creative with rigging and lighting ideas. Keep doing your thing!!

[@mediabyjp3340]

Dude - you are simply amazing. NEVER STOP POSTING.

[@chadwin]

Dope! The light reflected by the mirrors looks so natural and organic, totally eliminates any artificial spotlight feel.

[@PhillipBridgesReviews]

Hollywood: We can shot this film for $55 million. Caleb: I can do it for $185 and some tape.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

😂

[@lostalphabet341]

I love this idea! My favorite is the taped mirror.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you! Love this hack!

[@rs_images]

This is great....its nice when you get into lighting to just use soft light on everything but the real fun is mixing hard and soft light that creates really dynamic images

[@Robberdam]

Cool video. Tips: you could use one or more old cd's as a mirror. Inside old computer disk drives you will find excellent round mirrors with mounting holes.

[@brainiac9579]

This is a vast subject. You can also get different types of mirrors: standard glass mirrors, first surface optical mirrors, acrylic mirrors, Aluminum mirrors, silver mirrors, gold mirrors, using foils and tapes, etc. (Be creative, you get the idea here...). You'll get different photo moods/feels that way. Also much cheaper if you're starting out than getting lots of different lights. Great video, as always!

[@scottgibbons5664]

Another technique I’ve used is working in miniature when designing how you have to light larger sets… Working with a small miniature set you can quickly change ideas and look at different effects without having to be on a huge set and be committed to one look… It’s a nice way to show a Director how things might look without going full production mode before hand.

[@dodmedia]

Brilliant stuff Caleb, it looks so good because you're essentially doubling the distance of the light by bouncing it on a mirror, so it looks more convincingly like the sun or moon. This would be a fantastically cheap way of lighting a day for night scene! 🙌

[@cinemaismywife]

very interesting video, subscribed.. Is there a way we can diffuse the mirror with any measures?

[@Rexyspride]

This is EXACTLY what I've been looking for! Some way to make the dull UK winter into something more interesting. Thank you so much!

[@ReelFilmGeek]

Got to love mirrors! I picked up a Kflect system this year for all my tabletop work and its been amazing having the power to throw small brush strokes of different style light onto set. This DIY approach is great and much more affordable that gets you still a lot of that look, specially once you play around with those patterns on the mirrors.

[@juancasotelo4126]

You made it my friend, a great contribution for those of us who seek to create new ways of lighting our scene. Greetings from Lima - Perú

[@GenerationDigital]

I only recently learned about Light Bridge, and while this doesn't have all the features they have, it's certainly a cheap way to get your mind thinking of lighting with mirrors. The product shots and the overhead shots were fantastic! Great work Caleb!

[@ParsclickTV]

i think you are one of the smartest videographers/photographers on KZbin. Big like big fan of you.

[@TaaviJuursalu]

You can also use a mirror as a hair light that uses light from a key light. This technique is used in product photography for a long time. Also u can use 5in1 reflectors that have tin surface for similar thing. White paper and plastic also works fine

[@kyra_james]

This is literally blowing my mind!!!! And then I’m like how did I not think of that, so simple yet so remarkable! Good work!

[@Bryce.Padovan]

I can't wait to try this! Something else I'd like to try is frosting a mirror slightly using a matte spray or something similar and try getting some soft reflected light! Similar to the Light Bridge system but... you know... way cheaper!

[@religionrethink]

Watching this video was like someone switching on a new light in my brain. Brilliantly inspiring!

[@oscarcastillo116]

Why are you not getting 1M yet?!?! Your content is so good man, been watching you for a long time now

[@SnapRolls]

Ah-mAzing! Mind blown! Been trying to shoot nice product pics for my homegrown skincare business and it's been gloomy af for a while. Loved this idea and gonna try it out for sure! Thanks bud!

[@renecaron6409]

Wow. This is the first original lighting tutorial I've seen in many months.

[@JoeCastellon]

Amazing tips!! I'm blown away at how these mirrors open doors to more creativity! I was hoping to find that case linked in the description, but it isn't. Mind adding it please? Thanks!

[@cogmission1]

Man, you really are channeling McGyver! :-) Thanks for all of your ingenious ideas!

[@jl6524]

i too was shied away from the lighbridge systems because of their price. thanks for doing the test with regular mirrors. they look just as fantastic to me

[@PunkDuckVideo]

Genius! The window / venetian blind look by adding tape is so effective.

[@thisiseric]

Oh this is a great alternative since I don't have a light that is compatible with gobos, this could still give me the fake window effect. Great idea.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you Eric!!!

[@pictureeyecandy]

When dealing with glass mirrors on the backside of the mirror use duct tape, create an X design using duct tape. Then tape around the back edge corner to corner, this is a safety measure if the glass mirror break the duct tape helps keep it from going all over the place. Awesome video.

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

17 year commercial photographer here , i learnt something new today thank you !

[@CajunDave79]

Bounce/reflecting light is the best way to light 💡 your set for pretty much anything. You are painting 🧑‍🎨 with light and they are your palette 🎨 and you are using your mirrors/modifiers to shape your light. I really enjoyed this video immensely cuz it really gave some practical uses of how to use mirrors instead of paying for more lighting gear to to do the same. I just saved $1200 or more on not having to buy a Aputure: Leko/ellipsoidal light and modifier/cookie. Thxs..

[@daniplantworld9890]

Thank you so much for this video. I have horrible natural light in my apartment and I really need it for the products I shoot. This is going to be a game changer ❤

[@thebolivianguy64]

Man... this is the creativity punch i needed in my life right now. Thanks for keep doing such awesome content

[@Dionne_Sheree]

One of the best hacks from you lol! Love this! Thanks Caleb! Hope you and yours have been safe and well!

[@shannonmack7336]

Hi! The link to the lighting isn't working anymore. What kind of cheap lighting is this? Also, dope video. Love the mirror idea!

[@RonaldKasper]

I really didn't think of using mirrors in my videos up to now. Why not?? What a great possibility, thank you for this helpful video, Caleb!

[@Alexandr_Egorov_3003]

Thank you! That's a very interesting idea to use acrylic mirrors instead of the special pro Dedolight reflectors. I need to try this out!

[@AeonGotBeats]

Caleb with the subtle Eames chair flex... I peeped it! 👌🏾

[@EWImages]

Man never would have thought using a mirror to reflect the light! And the portion where you were able to replicate the Aputure spotlight, wow!

[@TsvetanVLife]

I love simple and useful ways!! We don't need expensive equipment every time to have good looking scene. Great video a lot of useful info!

[@jimjimgl3]

Always great to see how others approach light setup. I've been using mirrors for years for room sets and food. I first used mirror plexiglass but didn't like how heavy it was. I bought those shiny heat blankets and taped them to Matthews 3x3 gel frame. This weighs nothing and the creases in the heat blanket create variation in the light hitting the set.

[@49Macman]

Mirrors???? Woohoo! Never thought of it or seen it on youtube before. I can't wait to try it! Thanks.

[@SirRelith]

CALEB! Thank you! I shall now be obsessed with mirrors for the next few months. Haha. This is so cool and creative. Thanks for sharing my friend. :)

[@hmarci]

Great idea. I love the fact that you keep innovating after so many years on KZbin.

[@josephfriedman614]

Wonderful video. I've been photographing sunlight coming thru windows, kicking off anything in the way, for years. The look is absolutely stunning oftentimes. Your mirror technique is lovely. As someone who has been shooting interviews for decades, I am constantly looking for new ways to make the background look interesting, real, beautiful, etc. Part of my current arsenal is the Source 4 Leiko and the Dedo Light with the projection lens. But I am heading to my nearest acrylic mirror store ASAP. Thanks..

[@HelenMcLean]

I love playing with light, and your video has opened up my eyes to more techniques. Thank you for such a wonderful video!

[@magnat7]

This is genius. You have one of the best channels on KZbin 🙏

[@samwalker9762]

This is such a great idea! I’ve been in a bit of a rut with product photography lately so it’s refreshing to see something new

[@JakeMcHugh]

Amazing hack! The timing of this video is great as I was just looking into making some DIY Cookies out of foam board. Might try this instead!

[@Trokonzah]

This is genius. Truly informative and creatively inspirational video my friend. Thank you so much for the tips. I'm gonna start working with mirrors as soon as now lol

[@KevinLe]

That's a great tutorial! Thanks! I would imagine something like helping hands soldering tool to hold multiple tiny mirrors would be great to be able to position those little mirrors wherever you need them!

[@sceliano]

One of the better ideas i've seen in a while... simole yet brilliant

[@jackmasterson8352]

Man I’m so glad I stumbled upon this video. My studio has no natural light and seeing how you’ve replicated this do simply has blown my mind. Liked and subscribed 👍👍