Filmmaking 101: Mastering Exposure

[@aputurelighting]

What's your favorite exposure tool? Let us know in a comment below with how you use it for a chance to win an Aputure M9!

[@UsamaMahmoudSultan]

For me the best tool for exposure is false color , I use it always to set exposure , to study exposure of some famous shots and even in resolve in my color grading tools

[@LanceAsper]

I love using false color on the Black magic 6k! I use the 300dmkii 2- 120dmkii's and the nova! with a few MCs forpracticals

[@tanayparanjpe9076]

I always use False color to expose my every shot. Its my no.1 go to exposure tool. It not only helps me expose the shots properly, but also calculate contrast ratios, to add more depth to the shots and make it look more three dimensional.

[@3filmcrew]

I definitely love false color because of the ability to see not only proper exposure but setting up values of light in other parts of the frame.

[@MICKYSTATEN]

Histograms, right now. But I would love for you guys to do a video of different exposure tools, like false color, waveform, etc. Especially on the BMP4k. I am still new to this, (cinematography), and trying to be true to this...So don't go hard on me if my philosophy is not textbook, guys. I use histogram to help with exposure by adjusting the spikes of the white blob within the black box. Of course, depending on how contrasty of shot I am going for ...If I am doing high contrast or super moody, I may be ok with the shadows spiking , also depends on my codec too (raw, pro res, etc, or if I am shooting slog) that I am shooting. But safe bet is to not let the blob form in to a tepee shape spike and hit the top part of the box. You want that blob to be round , like the head of a pac-man monster , haha. Examine the frame, and if your key focus areas look exposed in your external monitors or back LCD even, as well as the white blob not spiking or creating teepee looking spikes, but living within a camel back shape, or lump looking shape in the middle of the box, I'd say odds are you are in the good exposure area. This is how I use it. Hope this wasn't too wordy. P.S. @Valentine Vee, correct me if I am wrong, but if we shooting log, you'd usually want to overexposure that , right? ETTR, as they say or w/e.

[@andilematomela2043]

Valentina is a legend. Shout out to Aputure for making it possible. I've learned so much from these videos.

[@valentinavee]

To those wondering why I look different: I've been taking more care of myself in quarantine. Eating good food, taking long walks and hikes. It's been a positive change!

[@take9film]

you look so different, that I had to check the old videos and instagram and everything before I could continue the video, cause I couldn't believe:) of course the old version of you was great too...

[@brianroth5754]

Keep up the great work Vee, you look fantastic! 🤘🏼

[@MICKYSTATEN]

I definitely noticed, I was saying while watching the vid, "I wonder if she went vegan?" . Cause I did the same thing, and lost 40 pounds. Look like a total different person, haha. Looking good though, V!

[@wadfasfsdfdsfsf]

Quarantine looks good on ya. And as I said in earlier comments. U look hawt. Congrats on your health journey. Keep it up

[@alvinchristianto7136]

damn nice Change keep it up

[@sam.oates_]

Before I had a camera without false colour I didn’t know what I was missing, now I’ll never go back, it’s just so brilliant! It’s handy because you can also get a rough idea of your focus with it on too. I just love it so much.

[@filmingthedark]

I like to use a combo: an actual light meter to nail my ratios; false colour to check my work; and waveform/histogram for ensuring consistency between shots.

[@tomn.9610]

Wow, you look great !!!! Very well done and helpful video !!

[@rp.aguilera]

You are looking great Valentina!!!

[@FrancescoBertoluci]

My go to is false color. I can see highlights, skin tones and shadows in a very intuitive way. Thanks for the episode!

[@mattesteron3059]

The queen returns! Welcome back, Vee!! :D I enjoy using histograms as my exposure tool.

[@valentinavee]

AWWWW THANKS MATT! It feels SO GOOD to be back, I'm so thrilled!

[@mattesteron3059]

@@valentinavee It's awesome to see you back!! Keep kicking butt!!

[@DeeanaJohnsonkati]

Awesome Vlog! I learn a new technique every time I tune in. Thank you and please keep those tutorials coming!

[@aputurelighting]

Thanks for the feedback! We're glad you're enjoying the show

[@JessicaDudas]

I use Histogram to make sure my exposure is set up properly! I don’t have any lights yet so I sit with the side of my body facing the window and use a reflector to bounce the light to fill in the shadows on the opposite side. I close the blinds behind me and turn on my lamp to have more contrast. Worked really well in my last video as I felt that I blended in too much with the background in my previous videos. Always learning from Apurture 🙏🏼🥰

[@aputurelighting]

That's great to hear! Once you get your own lights you're going to be so ahead of the game!

[@matthewszlasa2112]

I love the histogram. Gives me such a clear idea of what I’m capturing in frame. Perfect balance of showing the more technical aspect of the image in a visual way. Plus, it’s so quick and easy to reference.

[@HakeemAlhakeemSA]

You're back!! Missed your videos 😍

[@josephceschini5023]

I prefer false color because, just like a spot meter, it keeps my mind on the zone-system and off of the sometimes endless numbers that come with cinematography; it keeps my heart in the story. Also like the spot meter, it lets me really finesse / fine-tune the contrast, and also serves to visually reinforce what each tone looks like for future reference.

[@lestat22825]

False color for sure! But if no access to that then waveform and zebra's the way to go! Set one zebras to 70-80ish for skin and face, then the other zebra to 90-100ish for highlight clipping. Not always set in stone but you can adjust to taste. Great vid!

[@joehenry3275]

My favorite tool is definitely false color! It's useful in every scenario - to not only see what is over/under exposed, but also to see exposure ratios. It's also a very accurate way to see how evenly lit a backdrop is, especially useful for green screen work.

[@aputurelighting]

Very good point about the green screen application. Different tools are better suited for different jobs, there's no one correct tool for every situation

[@lukemccarthy9116]

I use histagram when i have a run and gun shoot. But my favorite is false colour as it allows you to dial in your contrast ratios perfectly.

[@aputurelighting]

Agreed! False Color is a great tool but when you're moving quickly it helps to use a tool like histogram instead

[@budsaurus]

False color is definitely my favorite exposure assist tool, since it's the best 1:1 representation of exposure with what I'm seeing in frame!

[@MattyBeavs]

I use False color and I love it because it shows me the overall exposure of everything in the frame which is like having a Light Meter :)

[@LeatherWindows]

I’ve come to really love using false color! It’s been pretty nice for getting the general exposure of an image down and if I have time, then I bring in the light meter and fine tune.

[@leseton]

I am so glad she is back 😍

[@aputurelighting]

So are we!

[@karliemorris7318]

Thanks for the teachings ,and false color is my favorite exposure tool

[@paul42scott]

False Color is my favorite exposure tool since it allows you to still frame your shot while also getting correct exposure which no other exposure tool can do. Out of camera my favorite tool is a light meter because you don't even need a camera at all!

[@NewLayer]

I love Valentina and my wife is ok with it. She’s an absolute beast in all the best ways!

[@josecaldera7454]

Nice, simple, and quick set ups!

[@wap1111]

My eye is sometimes the best judge lol Great simple leason Valentina!

[@productionssnowland]

Welcome back, Valentina!

[@patrickhay2561]

My favorite way to expose is the false color on the Filmic Pro app, which makes it easy to avoid clipping the highlights. My camera, a Canon M100, only has a histogram though - it's a little tougher to read sometimes, especially when there are multiple practicals in the shot.

[@aputurelighting]

Interesting, so you use your phone for exposure and then match it on your camera? I agree that the DSLR exposure monitoring can be lacking

[@patrickhay2561]

@@aputurelighting I only use one or the other, though that's an interesting idea to use the phone for reference. My point was that the iPhone is easier to use in some ways, once you purchase a $15 app. White balancing and focus pulls are also way easier with Filmic Pro :)

[@tanayparanjpe9076]

I always use False color to expose my every shot. Its my no.1 go to exposure tool. It not only helps me expose the shots properly, but also calculate contrast ratios, to add more depth to the shots and make it look more three dimensional.

[@valentinavee]

Yes, great point!

[@UsamaMahmoudSultan]

For me the best tool for exposure is false color , I use it always to set exposure , to study exposure of some famous shots and even in resolve in my color grading tools

[@bvangfilm]

I enjoy using false colors. I turn it on to double check if I am overexposed, then adjust accordingly.

[@valentinavee]

love false colors, it's also fun that this feature is available on iphone through filmic pro

[@bvangfilm]

@@valentinavee That's very cool! Thank you for the information. I appreciate you. :)

[@ivocruz8169]

Great content, very well explained!

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you!

[@SidsDrakon]

This is sweet. Thank you very much Madame so much knowledge. Now I have to shoot and put into pracrice this information.

[@tylerburton5440]

Dimmable lights, it just makes things so much easier.

[@aputurelighting]

I know right! Remember when we were using tungsten lights and had to use scrims??

[@tylerburton5440]

@@aputurelighting Dark times my friend... dark times.

[@leeman555]

I currently use my cameras histogram to expose with (more so for the lack of other options), but from previous experience in the field I've found that using false colour helps so much more as I can see the different exposure values in the shot and adjust accordingly

[@LegionsLair]

Personally I love using false colors. Even if the shot is completely messed up, as long as the skin tones are good it can be saved and FC really helps with that.

[@MST007S]

We missed you Valetina 💙 love from syria

[@PunkDuckVideo]

More and more on set I use the false colour in my Blackmagic Pocket 4K to ensure I am exposing the skin tones in my shot correctly but I would have to say that my favourite exposure tool is still my light meter. I know a light meter is seen by many as old fashioned or unnecessary now that most cameras have an arsenal of exposure tools built in. But as a freelancer who often works solo, a light meter allows me to set up the shot or scene on my own. I don't need someone to stand in for the talent, I can light the set to create the exposure and lighting ratios that I need on my own using the light meter. Remote controlled lighting like my Aputure 300D2 and 672 panels are a great help as well as I don't have to keep walking back to the fixtures to tweak the light levels!

[@aputurelighting]

That's a great point about using a light meter when you're shooting solo. Never a bad thing to use multiple tools in combination on set. And I agree the remote controlled lights are nice to have!

[@PetrosofSparta]

It’s funny, I used to hate false colours and always relied on histograms and when available, waveforms. But I started using the Accsoon CineEye a lot recently and I can’t express just how useful I’ve found the false colour mode on it for ensuring I don’t crush any blacks unnecessarily.

[@aaronramly1705]

I'am suggesting a topic : 1. Show how to use false color. What ire to expose for the background ? what ire to expose for the subject ? show what ratio between shadow & bright will work. 2. Show how to expose correctly without a monitor. E.G. for sony use the zebra tool. the cheapest option is monitor+ app. Show a few other common camera manufacturer in camera tool for exposing. 3. Show how to properly use color chart in fast setup(run & gun). Show how to get perfect contrast,saturation & temperature balance with or without a tool

[@sbvsls]

I love this channel so much! It's been very informative and helpful for a professional filmmaker like me 😁

[@thomasbuikema]

I love my waveforms. Shows if you are clipping and helps exposing skin tones. Never really got that into false color.

[@aputurelighting]

Waveforms is a great tool! I use it more in post than on set but it's so useful once you know how to read it

[@jodyb2036]

Zebras. I set one for skin and one for highlights and flick through when I’m setting up a shot. A quick and easy way to ensure neither are overexposed.

[@aputurelighting]

Great idea! Honestly I didn't know you could do that, I'll have to give it a try

[@craigclement]

I really like to use the waveform, it's especially helpful in getting even exposure on a greenscreen. I also love the false color, histogram and zebras. I tend to use them all at some point.

[@LanceAsper]

these are so helpful!!

[@stevenkralovec]

In camera I only really have access to histogram, which I ALWAYS use because it’s more precise than what my eyes are seeing on the tiny screen. BUT I recently invested in a monitor and started using false color and waveforms. I think those are a game changer for helping dial in good exposure. :)

[@aputurelighting]

That's great! Any tool is better than no tools, but there always comes a point when you need to upgrade in order to develop the quality of your work

[@stevenkralovec]

Aputure absolutely!

[@7clandresg]

False color usually, also a gray card or color checker in front of camera and histogram too.

[@César.Tejada]

The histogram it's my go to exposure tool. They always help me to know that my footage it's expose correctly even if the brightness of my monitor are tricking me.

[@aputurelighting]

Haha good point about the camera monitor trying to trick you. That makes it so important to have good exposure tools!

[@TechChucker]

I use the histogram on my Canon M50. Not sure I do a good job of it, but I use it as best I can. I'm usually putting myself specifically near a window so I can get natural light otherwise I only have desk lamps for right now. lol. There may be some duct tape involved from time-to-time in my setups.

[@videocasetteTV]

First of all your new look is awesome, I use zebra 70% for exposure

[@kelvinkurniawan07]

Zebra! It is easy to use, especially if I want to see what happened to the highlight. Zebra indicator show no only when the highlight touch 100%, but I can control it when it touch 70%, so it's perfect for my skin brightness 😊👍

[@davidjohnbalce1111]

Love the video, could you make a video about all of the tools to expose a shot? (Histogram, Zebras, Waveforms, False Color, etc.). Very helpful video, keep up the good work.

[@videocasetteTV]

Good suggestion

[@David_Schwarz_DOP]

there are millions of videos on youtube. seriously. just search for it. :-)

[@valentinavee]

David John Balce pretty sure this video already exists on the Aputure channel

[@FlavioDeFeo]

Love the breakdown, thank you for this! 👍🏻

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed it

[@lazarkumaar9935]

I have learnt lot from ur channel...thanks thanks thanks a lot..u done wonderful job.....

[@andy.schwartz]

I live off of false color. Allows me to realize good skin tones and also see what over/under exposed and tweak as necessary. Far more useful than a histogram.

[@roscosart1888]

Great video, wonderful hair 👍. To avoid over and under exposure I use waveforms, such a great tool.

[@johnnydee7480]

Wow, this video was put together nicely. I learned so much! Thank you! I just started using zebras at 70% because I blew out the highlights on one of my videos. It seems to have done the trick.

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you! Zebras can be a little challenging to use but after some trial and error (hopefully not on important gigs) they can be really nice to have

[@JimRobinson-colors]

It is the false color for me. I can see instantly what is where, for stops and adjust for it. Seems though that the exposure is more of a set the camera for DOF and the native ISO and light to what you want the image to like. So I would think that any source that uses middle grey as a reference ( i.e. light meter ) and a good display and you should be able to expose the image the way you want the intention of the photography. Nice video.

[@CineMilledUSA]

histogram!....then false color....zebras are mostly annoying....love the videos Keep'em coming!

[@jared_taylor]

I definitely enjoy the false color feature. It really helps me with fast turn around videos. Like the ones without grading in post. * But of course false color is great for more than just that

[@saidcisneros2933]

I have a question. Do you have any tips for shaping light on a budget? (0-1 C stands, No floppies, No big silks)

[@valentinavee]

Said Cisneros next week! Zero lights!

[@aputurelighting]

You'd be surprised how many times I've used a black hoodie or a bed sheet for light shaping

[@sethholston6128]

I use Zebras on my video cameras and the built-in meter on the DSLR. But to make sure the Zebras are accurate I shoot a chart with gray-scale chips on it.

[@scamp_media]

Enjoyed this thanks. I wonder do you have any more videos about problems using filmic pro in low light? Like for interior documentary stuff where there's not a lot of set lights to use etc. Im using it a B camera on a project. Sometimes it can work wonders, other times its just so noisey and full of grain.

[@brianroth5754]

Please can you do a tutorial on using the sidius link app. I cannot get it to work with my phone. Thank you!

[@alex.muntean]

I’d love to have false color or waveforms on my Sony A7III, but all I have are zebras and the histogram and zebras are my go to exposure reference. I have two setups - Skintone value (50-65) +-5 and 97+ for the highlights. I also use the internal metering system sometimes, but that value that I expose to depends on the scene and the picture profile.

[@facuuaf]

There's a recurring thing i keep seeing on these videos: Unless you're in an exterior or you have to go through a glassed door, it's more practical to ND the windows rather than the camera. Otherwise you have to increase the light output, rent more gear and consume more power. That's the main thing about lighting and camera being separate things: I'd teach someone to first know the correct exposure for the desired settings (Native ISO 800, 1/50s shutter and T2.8 for example)

[@valentinavee]

NDing windows is not more practical in every situation. In this one, not only did we not have the budget for ND gels, but the windows were too complex to ND.

[@kamhash1]

I’ve always used histograms because they were what I started on. I get the general idea of the other methods, but I haven’t really thought to try them to see if I work better with another

[@aputurelighting]

Usually the thing you start with is going to be the easiest tool for you. Try experimenting with other tools if you have a chance! I've found that different tools help for different situations

[@Anhhuydan]

I usually balance my video with histogram. A cheap exposure tool but with high quality

[@weshootfilms]

The most reliable I think is false color I use it all the time and it never lets me down.

[@dprovisuals1890]

I use waveform and zebras they are good tools that helps me get my exposure right

[@JamesNobleMusic]

Vee rules! I love these videos.

[@taylorrowson3961]

I’ve been using zebras a lot on my Sony a6500. Especially when shooting in SLog 2, using zebras to know when I have highlights above 106% is very useful when I’m trying to shoot for maximum dynamic range

[@aputurelighting]

That's awesome! Zebras are a great tool and very easy to use in-camera

[@cameragirlhelena]

Great! I love it!

[@alexandrkabir]

Thanks for video)) I usually use waveform on my monitor) for me it is one of the best tool) + the same waveform I use in FCPX within a grading process)

[@deenfilms]

Definitely the false color I use the pocket 4k, this helps me get the most dynamic range out of my sensor.

[@jamesray1820]

I prefer my light meter, but that isn't in my camera. In camera, false color would be the next best thing for my work.

[@aputurelighting]

Hmmmm does the count? I think that counts haha

[@zdenis3]

I use false color, just love the visual presentation and its usually the most reliable for me.

[@aputurelighting]

I love it because it looks like Predator Vision

I love using Zebras when I expose in my A7III :)

[@karlisbergs306]

I use histogram and an rgd parade. I feel like it's the best combo to see if your white balance is right and also to the exposure just right not getting anything overclipped.

[@anttiheik]

False color to see that my midtone exposure is correct, zebras at 100% to make sure nothing important in the frame is clipping. ✌️

[@productionforthepeople513]

expose for highlight if there is one, ND filter, and then use the Waveform and a 40% grey card (actually 36%).

[@azlanarainkhan4549]

Good knowledge.

[@TaeeDaProducer]

what app is that on the phone, being used?

[@AiurMedia]

what if you are not shooting in studio, dealing with natural light can be hard

[@JosesGarage101]

Hi! Tell me this. How come that 2 different cameras gives 2 different exposure with exact the same settings??, my face was 2-3 stop overexposed by the Canon G16 powershot and the Nikon d800 full frame it was perfect exposed. Does sensor size matter when you measure light?

[@faithgrice2437]

Was there a specific reason why the Aputure light was on the floor pointed upwards into the bounce? Wondering if the angle changed anything significantly.

[@aputurelighting]

That's a good question! In this case we placed in on the floor in order to keep it from being in frame. The angle won't change the bounce much, as long as the bounce is angled so that it hits the subject correctly

[@Abhi2011roy]

Hi.. Valentina .. mah favourite tool is false colour ..

[@jaytee1433]

I use a combination of waveform and false colour. I’ll have a waveform on permanently, and have a preset button to toggle false colour off and on.

[@JR_Haas]

I use false colors in my Atomos Ninja. Since my R5 does not have it natively. Very helpful.

[@JoshuaFortuna]

False color all day! It’s such a quick tool to visually represent your frame. Once you get the hang of your specific color scale it takes no time to nail exposure.

[@Recordingstudio-uk]

Hello but if I have no studio lights I can use on location during filming what’s the solution?

[@danielp_adams]

Combination of false color and waveform for me!

[@ericsamuels6250]

wave form is my. favorite tool

[@alexciprian]

False colour is by far the best way to expose for me.

[@mattschumacherlights]

I mostly use wave form but now that I have access to false color it becoming a fast favorite though I really prefer getting boots on the set with a meter must be the theater designer part of me

[@ryanmiller619]

False colors and zebras! Separate question: What is your recommendation for fluidly managing exposure if, say, your character walks out from a dark room and into the bright light in the same scene? Is it a matter of using a variable ND as the character moves from dark to light? Just curious as to how you manage this to keep exposure correct (and constant). Thanks.

[@LonePictures]

Histogram is the best way I could adjust the exposure for it’s more familiar and Yeah got an idea from this video how to use it.

[@Dependsonthelens]

An 8 min video from Aputure 🤤

[@valentinavee]

8 Minute Film School

[@Dependsonthelens]

@@valentinavee You're lookin' great Vee! Glad to have you back.

[@holmanwl]

I like zebras for fast and easy assessment, especially in drone work

[@LeoArmenta]

I just took a course, and the teacher told us that we have to expose to the right, its that correct??? Because i saw that you said that its better the under exposure??? HEEEELP!!! And thankyou!!! 🙋🏽‍♂️

[@valentinavee]

Leo Armenta Expose FOR the right. Which means expose for the highlights and make sure they are not blown out (unless you want that look). This will cause the shadows to recede even more into darkness, so you have to bring in additional light to compensate.

[@LeoArmenta]

@@valentinavee thanks!!!!