Here’s an overlooked issue I encounter on a regular basis. I’m asked to spec out a location video shoot in a conference room or typical academic setting. After a site visit and discussion of the overall needs, it’s time to quantify the equipment, labor, and any other costs it will take to produce the finished product. My equipment consists of three general categories. Cameras and related video gear, Audio gear, and Lighting equipment. Since this is simply documentation of a live event in a well-lit room, lighting equipment is surely unnecessary, right? I used to think so, especially considering that until recently the alternative meant bringing in bulky, and very hot, potentially dangerous gear into the space, changing the look and feel of the place, all while hoping the circuit breakers wouldn’t blow. That was out of the question. But back to the question–why bring in lights when a space is plenty well lit? The answer has to do with several shortcomings with commercial lighting as it applies to video and image-making generally.