Update 3:

Question 1:
I am trying to set up my next video in which I would be talking and also showing how I paint. Last two weeks I have tried different light setups but I either see light glare on my oil painting surface while I paint or through the camera (for the viewer) or both. I request you to give me some guidelines for this setup. I want my face to be properly lit up, no glare on my painting when I paint and also no glare for the viewer through the camera.

See attached photos to know about my messy setup. 

I am using a canon dslr camera 700D and use two 50W light bulbs for lighting the scene.

I recently bought two shadow boxes thinking they would solve the problem of reflection but they didn't. Should I return these?

Question 2:
I am also facing an issue of shallow depth of field/low light.

I am using manual mode and use f11 to keep my face as well as the painting in focus. but then I am having to use ISO 800 for a good exposure. Do I need more lights or is there anything I can do to get good exposure?

Thanks for your time,

Mandar

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Hi Lucy,

Here is my 3rd version of the talking head video.

So, as you mentioned last time, I have exchanged key and fill light, added brushes in the foreground and added some more stuff in the background.

 Let me know your comments.

One thing that happens and I want to avoid is exposure level changes when my hand (or any other object) comes in the view and goes off. I think to avoid this, I need to focus camera on my face and press the * button on my canon 700d to lock exposure.

How can i do that when I am the one who is appearing in the video? I use a prop (a paper bag as shown by you) for focusing, but how do I (and should I) lock the exposure?

Thanks,

Mandar

 

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Update 1 - 21 Aug 2019

 

 

Hi Lucy,
Over the last couple of days, I tried several configurations of video setup and showing you two setups that I have found to be OK. Setup 1 has more light on the background whereas setup 2 has a darker background.
Let me know which one looks better. I think the setup 2 has a lot of grains in the background as it is dimly lit. This setup also looks too stark or contrasting to me.
I had issues with face tracking autofocus and wasted 1/2 a day in it and finally decided to use fixed manual focus.

Though I have placed a small painting and some brushes in the background, I feel background needs something more to bring on a look of an artist's studio. But I have limited scope to throw the background out of focus due to lens and size of the room.
What do you suggest that will bring in more feel of a studio?

I also would like your complete review of the setup to make it look better.

{Please ignore the audio quality as I have not used lapel mic and not made any attempt to reduce reverb in the room. This is the audio from the camera's built-in mic.}
thanks,
Mandar

 

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Here is a short clip for my new class about "drawing". Though I have made 28 online courses on various art topics, I have been avoiding making talking head videos as I am camera shy (and I don't like to see myself in photos or videos). 

For the first time, I have tried two camera angles and mustered the courage to do more talking head video.

I am aware of the horizontal banding that this video has due to improper light & camera setup and I'll make sure that I correct that in the final video. Other than that, please let me know your review comments about:

1. The first impression I make

2. my content delivery (speed, clarity etc)

3. camera angles

3. lighting

4. scene setup ( background, my clothes, easel setup, things to add, things to avoid/remove etc) 

and anything else that comes to your mind.

You can be ruthlessly honest in your feedback and also tell me your suggestions to improve on things that you point out.

thanks,

Mandar