Set.A.Light
Pre-Visualizing Your Scene: A Review of Set.a.light
In this review, we’ll take a look at the set.a.light pre-visualization program, its virtual assets and limitations, and how to use it.
Set.a.light 3D is a pre-visualization program for photographers and filmmakers. Users can realistically simulate lighting setups and learn how lights and cameras interact to create an image.
I’ve been using set.a.light for a couple of months now, and I’ve spent endless hours tinkering with different lighting setups. There are three main windows. You have a perspective view that lets you see your scene, a “rendered view” that lets you see what the camera is seeing, and a top-down “lighting diagram” view that you can output (once you’re done) to help recreate the lighting on set.
Image via Elixxier Software.
Create a Studio
Image via Elixxier Software.
The first step is to create an Studio environment that you would be working with and something to shoot. This is one of five preset models that you can customize with different outfits, hair styles, and skin colors. There are also multiple poses to choose from, like standing and sitting have worked out fine (so far) for us.
You can then choose the camera lens, sensor size, position, f-stop, and ISO that fits your vision and scene.
ADD LIGHTING
Image via Elixxier Software.
Now is when the creativity begins!!!!
You’re now free to light the subject to your heart’s desire. You can bring in fifty Skypanels, line the roof with spotlights, or just recreate a scene from your favorite movie. You can use bounced light, and there’s even a “light blocker” for negative fill. This software allows you to customize the lighting intensity, modifiers, color, types of strobe heads, speedlights, and more. You can even add personal lights like unnamed types to the list!
You can even add in Furniture, Lamps, Backgrounds, and more… it is truly a one of a kind software for the visionary!