This must be the most engaging and helpful treatment of this subject I have ever seen on RUclips. I'm not even into interviews, and that may be part of the reason, but the simple techniques you're sharing here feel like they could be used to great effect even for environmental portraiture that dares to bring in some extra light without compromising the mood of the ambient. Nothing super-new or sensational here, just simple, solid craft that works. You're quite an asset, Sean, and I have been pulled into several of your photographer interviews and stayed till the end with interest. Sometimes asking myself, Why can't a bit more of RUclips work like this?
I must be honest, I was going to skip this video. I don’t use video or make documentaries. But I had twenty minutes and a cup of coffee - so I watched. So glad I did. This was fascinating. Really enjoyed seeing your process.
Honestly, when I saw the title of this video, I wasn't very interested because I don't do videos myself. But, not the first time, I was wrong! You always manage to get me interested, even when I'm not. Thank you!
The fact this is free is a testament to your benevolent mentorship of a whole generation of aspiring photographer and videographers. I'm so grateful for all you do, Sean!
I've always admired your work not only because of the rich content, but also due your elegant approach, it gives us time to breathe and be immersed. This format is so apart from the noisy and flashy RUclips standard. Thanks!
I don’t know how to thank you. I’m shooting my first interview in a couple of weeks (just my Dad) and everything here is of amazing benefit to me. Thank you so much. Big hug, Simon.
Nicely done! I've sene so many posts about how to light interviews even form pro filmmakers.. and I have to say, yours is efficient and simple! Super clear and engaging! thanks!
Whilst I've no desires of interviewing a fascinating subject anytime soon, I enjoy spending time with your content. This video was no exception. Lovely job breaking-down the aspects and intentions of this process. I dare say I've learned something with your aid so that's time well spent. Cheers ~ Peter
This was incredibly helpful. Thank you. The note on promoting for the subject at the beginning and end was quite interesting, and something I’ll consider for my own interview videos moving forward.
Thank you Sean. This is genuinely useful and instructive. You don't just give a what but a why for everything you are doing. It would be tempting to just copy your setup, but that would be tooooooo easy. Thanks again for a great film with real information that goes way beyond "content".
@sean you inspired my other channel ...intook notes of how you didn't have the awkwardness of the subject introducing themselves ... Im so glad that you made this video because Inow know I'm on the right track 😊
That looks like a beautiful house with a garden out in the back. Lovely. As an Indian I'm jealous of such spaces as I live in an extremely overcrowded country.
Wonderful tips Sean, I'm 100% on your side when it comes to interview lighting. I've actually just executed filming a series of interviews for our non-profit and since we were doing it at our offices, there were people walking around all the time - no chance to do it in any other area than smaller rooms with big windows. So I placed the subjects a meter away from the window (a nice park behind it), angled the person so that almost entire face was lit with natural light (fixing that way the hair light as well, and then a little Aputure LED added some fill light into the shadowed part of the face, just enough. Then we pointed the camera into the shadowed part of their faces, and we're very happy with the results. Your "diamond" drawing is fantastic, I've saved it for the future reference. Thank you!!
I've shot several corporate style interviews, and this by far is the best breakdown of how to do it on a budget. When you're a lone person, multiple cameras, budget lights, low budget uncontrollable spaces - but still achieving the best results
A perfect insightful explanation of how to work an interview. I shoot dozens of interviews every year and use almost exactly the same set up. My main difference would be to use a soft dome as a light, instead of a soft box (just personal preference) and to use a shotgun mic on a boom as primary audio. Only because I find these need less EQ work after the fact to remove room echo etc, but I still use a lav mic as back up audio. As always you’ve given us a fantastic insight into how you work, and I appreciate all the help you give to your viewers. Thanks
I always wondered how you create your interviews and just two weeks ago I was hoping that one day you’ll share it with us. Here’s me taking all the knowledge. Thanks Sean
I've never shot video, but plenty of useful information for shooting still photography. Practical information, new ways to think about lighting, and a good kick to get out and shoot. Great stuff.
So grateful that you share as openly as you do. Your sincerity and authenticity is so refreshing and you inspire a generation to do the same. Much love to you brother!
10:46 Some people recommend that you try to balance the DOF of your two lenses, so that if your 35mm is F/1.8, then your 55mm is probably around f/2.4 or something. If both lenses are set to f/1.8, then the footage from the 55mm will have more shallow DOF than the other angle. I think their argument is that different DOF will be distracting or jarring when making cuts between the two angles. How do you feel about this? Have you thought about this and decided that you still wanted f/1.8 on both angles?
Great video. Would love a part 2 showing your post process. I just spent a few days editing an interview I shot last week. Wish I’d had this video beforehand but I’ve already learned some different things to try next time.
Thanks Sean so good to hear someone break down a process that is accessible to everyone rather than horribly technical. My take away shoot from the dark side, l will definitely take that and use it.
Brilliant, again. I truly appreciate your mixture of technical thoughts and -advice, combined with relevant thoughts and perspectives on our craft. Much appreckated, also again.
Great wisdom as always Sean! You say it's a practical video, but I feel like it still digs a lot deeper than so many other videoes on conducting interviews. Thank you!
Thoughtful, essential, and clear, as usual, Sean. Another excellent presentation. In this particular setting, as you know, you have the benefit of considerable reflected fill from the background playing on the left side of your face, without which a suitable reflector would be needed or the look would be quite different. You might consider addressing this in a future presentation.
That's a persoanl preference though. If I'm shooting in a room with very little soft ambient, I may still choose not to fill or reflect light back because I want that more dramatic look. It's really down to the style you're going for. However all my interviews are shot in rooms with good ambient.
You are the best! Thanks! The shooting into the shadows was an amazing tip. You've been my primary source of inspiration since I started when it comes to photography.
I loved this tutorial, Sean. The intro with film examples and the very practical explanation after were on point. Thank you, as always, for your high quality and educational content.
Very nice. There are certainly times when the use of stylized lighting can enhance projects which call for it, but realistic lighting will always alow viewers to focus on the subject and story more so than the setting. I feel fortunate to have learned these basic principles for interview lighting from my father, who taught me filmmaking in the early 60s, and through my subsequent 40 year career in television. Lighting’s impact and effect on the resulting visual (stills too) cannot be overstated. Thanks!
Nicely done, Sean. And as always, an incredibly clear and well thought out explanation of what, where, how and why. I always watch your videos to the end for this very reason. We appreciate your tutelage. .
I love how succinct and down to earth you are. If you ever want a piano track for a video, let me know. I'd love to just have one on a video of yours. Great work sir.
Love this Sean we appreciate your work. You got me into b and w photography. I really hope you understand that you impact us. The future us thanks you. ❤
This was really helpful to appreciate the behind the scenes thinking and planning for each conversation you bring from other photographers. It's no wonder they are so enjoyable and engaging to watch and journey with. I truly enjoy each one. There's something rich in their story and you draw that out well, alongside the technique to support the story telling. Keep doing what you're doing as it evolves Sean. It is a great gift to the world.
Agree when the positive comments here. Your style of video and teaching is very good. I always enjoy watching your content. How did you create the set up diagram? Its a little flourish that adds a lot to the delivery.
Great video and thank you so much for sharing. Funnily enough the timing of this video is impecable as my wife just told me she needed help shooting short videos and as an amateur photographer I didn’t know where to start 😅
Fascinating insight Sean. I’ve been shooting head shots at work and using windows with one speed light and a large modifier. Shooting into shadows is a lovely natural way to light, lots to take from this video Sean, learned a lot, thank you 👍
Thanks for this comprehensive guide. I never conciously thought about shooting into the shadow side or lit side, it was always what I felt the situation needed, so maybe it was a little random. When you're using a "one man band" setup like this, and since you're using Sony A7's (which have pretty usable video AF), are you using autofocus during the shoot (with the risk that it might start hunting if it looses track of the eyes for a few seconds)? Or do you just set your focus, and hope your subject doesn't decide to lean forward or backward during the conversation, without you noticing? As with this setup you're also not in a position where you can constantly check your monitors.
This must be the most engaging and helpful treatment of this subject I have ever seen on RUclips. I'm not even into interviews, and that may be part of the reason, but the simple techniques you're sharing here feel like they could be used to great effect even for environmental portraiture that dares to bring in some extra light without compromising the mood of the ambient. Nothing super-new or sensational here, just simple, solid craft that works. You're quite an asset, Sean, and I have been pulled into several of your photographer interviews and stayed till the end with interest. Sometimes asking myself, Why can't a bit more of RUclips work like this?
I fully fully agree with this comment
Could not agree more.
That's so kind my friend. Thank you:)
Amen!
Couldn’t agree more with this! Thank you Sean, you provide such clarity to all you share!
I must be honest, I was going to skip this video. I don’t use video or make documentaries. But I had twenty minutes and a cup of coffee - so I watched. So glad I did. This was fascinating. Really enjoyed seeing your process.
Great to hear.
This was a Mini Master Class thank you so much.
The continued generous sharing you do in this channels is so amazing and inspiring! thanks for this!
Thank you. That was fascinating, thorough, and thoroughly interesting.
This was fantastic; joined many dots, and also eliminated options in a positive way.
Had to pause and let you know that your content is so much more useful and enriching compared to so much of what’s out there. Thanks Sean
Thanks my friend.
Is this the most useful lighting video ever made? Good grief I think it might be! Thanks Sean!!
That's the way I like to light things or subjects when shooting or filming with two cameras because it's a more intimate conversation.
You just motivated me to start interviewing people again. Thank you for this informative and perfectly told content.
Im filming today and officially moving my light🤣 Thank you!
Great to hear. Good luck:)
I adore you Sean tucker, thank you again, wish I can buy your books in china
This a fabulous download of knowledge, keep it up
This is fabulous, so helpful! Thank you so much!!!
Honestly, when I saw the title of this video, I wasn't very interested because I don't do videos myself.
But, not the first time, I was wrong! You always manage to get me interested, even when I'm not.
Thank you!
That's a true masterclass as always, not like others who call anything a masterclass.
Just in the nick of time. I have to do something similar this week. Do you realise how helpful you have been. Its priceless. Thankyou so much.
what can I say. Another great video. ,Thanx Sean
Hi Sean! Following you since 7 years ago... I miss your instructional videos... on that topic this is your best one! Thank you!
Thanks my friend.
This was so helpful Sean. I will be referring to this one for a long time to come.
This is such a lovely how-to, because I love your interviews, and it's nice to hear and see how you do it. Thanks for this!!
Thank you Sean - it's so amazing that you share your knowledge with the world. it is really appreciated. Thank you.
Thank you for your patience and teaching! It’s appreciated 😊
Thank you for this, so many great bits of info here.
The fact this is free is a testament to your benevolent mentorship of a whole generation of aspiring photographer and videographers. I'm so grateful for all you do, Sean!
I've always admired your work not only because of the rich content, but also due your elegant approach, it gives us time to breathe and be immersed. This format is so apart from the noisy and flashy RUclips standard. Thanks!
🌞🌞 I learned. Thank you 🌞🌞
I don’t know how to thank you. I’m shooting my first interview in a couple of weeks (just my Dad) and everything here is of amazing benefit to me. Thank you so much. Big hug, Simon.
Thank you Sean.
You are very good at teaching, your didactics doesn't go unnoticed. Thank you.
Thanks my friend.
Thank you for that video! I am putting together a video set for my own channel and your advice couldn't have come at a better time.
Thank you so much for such a detailed video full of information to help me raise my game :)
Nice to see the back ground on how you do your every enjoyable videos, thank you Sean
I really enjoyed this video! And I did learn from it! Thanks much!!
Nicely done! I've sene so many posts about how to light interviews even form pro filmmakers.. and I have to say, yours is efficient and simple! Super clear and engaging! thanks!
Whilst I've no desires of interviewing a fascinating subject anytime soon, I enjoy spending time with your content. This video was no exception. Lovely job breaking-down the aspects and intentions of this process. I dare say I've learned something with your aid so that's time well spent. Cheers ~ Peter
such a great video, great advice, thanks a lot!
This was incredibly helpful. Thank you. The note on promoting for the subject at the beginning and end was quite interesting, and something I’ll consider for my own interview videos moving forward.
Superb, thank you.
This is an incredible resource. Thank you for everything you do for this community!
Thank you Sean. This is genuinely useful and instructive. You don't just give a what but a why for everything you are doing. It would be tempting to just copy your setup, but that would be tooooooo easy. Thanks again for a great film with real information that goes way beyond "content".
@sean you inspired my other channel ...intook notes of how you didn't have the awkwardness of the subject introducing themselves ... Im so glad that you made this video because Inow know I'm on the right track 😊
Great video Sean!
Hello Sean,
Fabulous video, thank you. Hopefully I can put the information to good use in the future.
Take care.
Paul,,
That looks like a beautiful house with a garden out in the back. Lovely.
As an Indian I'm jealous of such spaces as I live in an extremely overcrowded country.
Wonderful tips Sean, I'm 100% on your side when it comes to interview lighting. I've actually just executed filming a series of interviews for our non-profit and since we were doing it at our offices, there were people walking around all the time - no chance to do it in any other area than smaller rooms with big windows. So I placed the subjects a meter away from the window (a nice park behind it), angled the person so that almost entire face was lit with natural light (fixing that way the hair light as well, and then a little Aputure LED added some fill light into the shadowed part of the face, just enough. Then we pointed the camera into the shadowed part of their faces, and we're very happy with the results.
Your "diamond" drawing is fantastic, I've saved it for the future reference. Thank you!!
I've shot several corporate style interviews, and this by far is the best breakdown of how to do it on a budget. When you're a lone person, multiple cameras, budget lights, low budget uncontrollable spaces - but still achieving the best results
I just love this! Thank you.
Unbelievable photographer, Your work inspires me so much!
Your passion, knowledge and dedication is unquestionable. You’re such an inspiration!
Great video, i learned some stuff.
Thank you for a very helpful explanation.
A perfect insightful explanation of how to work an interview. I shoot dozens of interviews every year and use almost exactly the same set up. My main difference would be to use a soft dome as a light, instead of a soft box (just personal preference) and to use a shotgun mic on a boom as primary audio. Only because I find these need less EQ work after the fact to remove room echo etc, but I still use a lav mic as back up audio.
As always you’ve given us a fantastic insight into how you work, and I appreciate all the help you give to your viewers. Thanks
Thanks Sean！This video is made so well, both from the content side and the production side .
Thanks for the support!
wow this video is so precious, thank you
I always wondered how you create your interviews and just two weeks ago I was hoping that one day you’ll share it with us. Here’s me taking all the knowledge. Thanks Sean
This is a fantastic video - thanks!
Thank You, for everything over the years. Thank You!
That’s All!
I've never shot video, but plenty of useful information for shooting still photography. Practical information, new ways to think about lighting, and a good kick to get out and shoot. Great stuff.
great info... thanks
So grateful that you share as openly as you do. Your sincerity and authenticity is so refreshing and you inspire a generation to do the same. Much love to you brother!
10:46 Some people recommend that you try to balance the DOF of your two lenses, so that if your 35mm is F/1.8, then your 55mm is probably around f/2.4 or something. If both lenses are set to f/1.8, then the footage from the 55mm will have more shallow DOF than the other angle. I think their argument is that different DOF will be distracting or jarring when making cuts between the two angles. How do you feel about this? Have you thought about this and decided that you still wanted f/1.8 on both angles?
Consistency and preparedness is key. Thank you for sharing, I always appreciate a natural lighting appearance.
Great video. Would love a part 2 showing your post process. I just spent a few days editing an interview I shot last week. Wish I’d had this video beforehand but I’ve already learned some different things to try next time.
Check out my Da Vinci Resolve video. I demo interview editing in there.
@@seantuck thanks!
Thanks Sean so good to hear someone break down a process that is accessible to everyone rather than horribly technical. My take away shoot from the dark side, l will definitely take that and use it.
Brilliant, again. I truly appreciate your mixture of technical thoughts and -advice, combined with relevant thoughts and perspectives on our craft. Much appreckated, also again.
Making videos/interviews is not my bag but I really appreciated the peek behind the curtains. Thanks.
Great wisdom as always Sean! You say it's a practical video, but I feel like it still digs a lot deeper than so many other videoes on conducting interviews. Thank you!
Beautiful breakdown of a subject that is thought of as a given, and taken for granted, thank you so much for making it clear and concise!
That was a very uncomplicated, yet very elegant description. And the graphics are very well thought out too. Nice work.
Thoughtful, essential, and clear, as usual, Sean. Another excellent presentation.
In this particular setting, as you know, you have the benefit of considerable reflected fill from the background playing on the left side of your face, without which a suitable reflector would be needed or the look would be quite different. You might consider addressing this in a future presentation.
That's a persoanl preference though. If I'm shooting in a room with very little soft ambient, I may still choose not to fill or reflect light back because I want that more dramatic look. It's really down to the style you're going for. However all my interviews are shot in rooms with good ambient.
You are the best! Thanks! The shooting into the shadows was an amazing tip. You've been my primary source of inspiration since I started when it comes to photography.
Grewt video and tutorial as always
We are so lucky to have you!😊
Wow. You are such a wonderful teacher. Thank you for this.
Thanks my friend.
Excellent info and presentation. Thanks!
Fascinating!
I loved this tutorial, Sean. The intro with film examples and the very practical explanation after were on point. Thank you, as always, for your high quality and educational content.
Very nice. There are certainly times when the use of stylized lighting can enhance projects which call for it, but realistic lighting will always alow viewers to focus on the subject and story more so than the setting. I feel fortunate to have learned these basic principles for interview lighting from my father, who taught me filmmaking in the early 60s, and through my subsequent 40 year career in television. Lighting’s impact and effect on the resulting visual (stills too) cannot be overstated. Thanks!
Nicely done, Sean. And as always, an incredibly clear and well thought out explanation of what, where, how and why. I always watch your videos to the end for this very reason. We appreciate your tutelage.
.
Great video, Sean. Very useful considerations on how to create a beautiful interview atmosphere. Thank you very much!
I love how succinct and down to earth you are. If you ever want a piano track for a video, let me know. I'd love to just have one on a video of yours. Great work sir.
Thanks mate:)
Great episode - thanks. I learned a lot
Wow
Love this Sean we appreciate your work. You got me into b and w photography. I really hope you understand that you impact us. The future us thanks you. ❤
This was really helpful to appreciate the behind the scenes thinking and planning for each conversation you bring from other photographers. It's no wonder they are so enjoyable and engaging to watch and journey with. I truly enjoy each one. There's something rich in their story and you draw that out well, alongside the technique to support the story telling. Keep doing what you're doing as it evolves Sean. It is a great gift to the world.
Agree when the positive comments here. Your style of video and teaching is very good. I always enjoy watching your content. How did you create the set up diagram? Its a little flourish that adds a lot to the delivery.
Thanks mate. I draw them in Procreate.
Short, sweet, impactful. Thanks for sharing.
Great video and thank you so much for sharing.
Funnily enough the timing of this video is impecable as my wife just told me she needed help shooting short videos and as an amateur photographer I didn’t know where to start 😅
Phenomenal video as always.
Great work, Thank you Sean!
your videos are always so helpful. grateful for them.
Excellent, well laid-out description. Hope I get a chance to use it down the road.
Fascinating insight Sean. I’ve been shooting head shots at work and using windows with one speed light and a large modifier. Shooting into shadows is a lovely natural way to light, lots to take from this video Sean, learned a lot, thank you 👍
Welcome mate:)
Thanks a lot ❤
Very interesting as usual Sean, your teaching style is superb.
Thanks for this comprehensive guide. I never conciously thought about shooting into the shadow side or lit side, it was always what I felt the situation needed, so maybe it was a little random. When you're using a "one man band" setup like this, and since you're using Sony A7's (which have pretty usable video AF), are you using autofocus during the shoot (with the risk that it might start hunting if it looses track of the eyes for a few seconds)? Or do you just set your focus, and hope your subject doesn't decide to lean forward or backward during the conversation, without you noticing? As with this setup you're also not in a position where you can constantly check your monitors.
I use and trust the AF on the cameras. They never hunt which is great. I prefer that than having the subject leaning in and out of focus.
This video is packed with valuable gems! Really great tips and breakdown. Insightful stuff, Sean! 👏
Such an interesting video Sean, brought back some great memories 😊
Thanks Fiona:)
Very informative!
This was incredible, thank you Sean