How do you deal with changing light conditions and dynamic range in video?

1 Know your camera's limits

Different cameras have different capabilities when it comes to dynamic range. Some cameras can record more stops of light than others, meaning they can handle more contrast without losing details. You can check your camera's specifications or use a tool like a histogram or a waveform monitor to see how much dynamic range your camera can capture. Knowing your camera's limits will help you decide how to expose your shots and whether you need to use any filters, lights, or post-production tools to balance the dynamic range.

2 Choose the right exposure mode

Depending on your camera model and shooting situation, you can choose between different exposure modes to control how your camera adjusts to changing light conditions. The most common exposure modes are manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and auto. Manual mode gives you the most control over your exposure settings, but it also requires you to constantly monitor and adjust them as the light changes. Aperture priority mode lets you set the aperture (the opening of the lens that controls how much light enters the camera) and the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed (the duration of the exposure) to maintain a consistent exposure. Shutter priority mode works the opposite way: you set the shutter speed and the camera adjusts the aperture. Auto mode lets the camera decide both the aperture and the shutter speed based on the scene's brightness, but it might not always give you the best results. You should experiment with different exposure modes and see what works best for your video style and purpose.

3 Use ND filters and polarizers

One way to deal with changing light conditions and dynamic range is to use filters that attach to your lens and modify the amount and quality of light that reaches the sensor. The most common filters for video are neutral density (ND) filters and polarizing filters. ND filters reduce the overall light intensity without affecting the color or contrast, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds or wider apertures without overexposing your shots. Polarizing filters reduce reflections and glare from shiny surfaces like water, glass, or metal, enhancing the colors and contrast of your shots. You can use ND filters and polarizers separately or together, depending on the effect you want to achieve.

4 Adjust the white balance and color profile

Another factor that affects how your camera records light and color is the white balance and color profile settings. White balance is the adjustment of the color temperature of your shots to match the color of the light source, so that white objects appear white and not tinted by the ambient light. Color profile is the preset or custom setting that determines how your camera processes the color data, affecting the saturation, contrast, and dynamic range of your shots. You can adjust the white balance and color profile manually or use the auto or preset options on your camera, but you should always check the results on a monitor or a color chart to make sure they are accurate and consistent. You can also change or correct the white balance and color profile in post-production, but it is better to get them right in-camera as much as possible.

5 Use lighting and reflectors

Sometimes, the best way to deal with changing light conditions and dynamic range is to add or modify your own light sources. You can use artificial lights like LED panels, softboxes, or flashes to illuminate your subject or fill in the shadows, creating a more balanced and flattering exposure. You can also use natural light sources like the sun or the sky, but you might need to use reflectors, diffusers, or flags to bounce, soften, or block the light as needed. Lighting and reflectors can help you create different moods, effects, and styles for your video, as well as improve the clarity and quality of your shots.

6 Edit and grade your footage

Finally, you can use post-production software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve to edit and grade your footage, adjusting the exposure, contrast, color, and dynamic range of your shots. You can use tools like curves, levels, color wheels, or LUTs (look up tables) to fine-tune your shots individually or apply global changes to your entire video. You can also use tools like masks, keyframes, or tracking to isolate and modify specific areas or objects in your shots. Editing and grading your footage can help you fix any exposure or contrast issues, enhance the visual appeal and impact of your video, and create a consistent and coherent look and feel for your video.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?