Most of the work I do takes place in a corporate environment. Typically in downtown Pittsburgh in a highrise such as the U.S. Steel Building (aka UPMC Building), PPG building, etc. Often windows to contend with. Often small spaces or conference rooms with tables hardwired into the ground. Given ideal conditions for lighting, I’d to use an 8x8 book light with lots of photons, plenty of light control and negative to control the key. But the confines of the space, the budget and condensed schedules makes bigger set-ups a no-go.

So my go to approach as gaffer for corporate interviews?

Key Light Options: Booklight with 600D into small 40” bounce into 40” diffusion, with extra beadboard or 4’ light tube above camera to help the light wrap. around nose a bit. If more exposure is needed, can either remove 40” frame, or fire the 600D through diffusion. Sometimes will add additional 300 or 600 fixture for more power. I try to avoid renting 1200D’s, because in small spaces, the fan noise can be a bit louder than the sound department would like.

Back/Hair Light: I try to keep it small and simple, so will use a 60x or 300x with a mini dome. I like to replace the diffusion in the minidome with one of the grid clothes from my 40” frame kit, because I prefer that look. If I want to fake a bigger source, I’ll sometimes arm over a light tube as well to backlight the shoulders more..

Background Light: I try to use the environment as much as possible. Office has some plants? Great. That can give some texture, and it gives me something for the 60x to edge light. If there’s nothing there and we have some blank space? I’ll usually shape a small pool or slash of light with the 60x and dial it down to keep it subtle.

Contrast Ratio Seasoned to Taste: I can either add negative to the nearside of talent or add some extra bounce for fill. For a quick adjustment of background-talent contrast ratio, I will often throw light up to the ceiling behind talent and dim to taste.