Regarding the lighting test: The video is fine as it is, as the yoyoing is what we are interested in. However, if I am being picky, I have some tips. I see you are using a point source (like a bare incandescent light bulb) which is low and off to your right. The low position of the light in this video, especially with a point source, creates shadows that go upwards so it looks unusual to the eye.
I liked the lighting of the original test video as it seemed more diffused and the color of the light source (or video software processing) looked better. The background was darker too, which made a nice visual impact.
Something people can do to diffuse light is hang thin white fabric in front of the light source. It reduces the intensity of the light, so additional or brighter light might be needed.
Another option is to position the bare bulb in front of and close to a white wall or posterboard. The wall or posterboard will reflect the light and thus make a broader lighting souce while still taking advantage of the bare bulb’s intensity. (So to explain: from the yoyoer’s perspective, the bare bulb is about 6 feet from you and positioned just above head level, then the wall or poster board would be just beyond it about 12 - 16 inches / 30 - 40 cm.)
By the way, the closer your background is to you, the more it will be lit up, assuming the light bulb is your only light source.
Ok, enough of the lighting tips.
Thanks a bunch for posting the video. I can’t wait to see the EYYC video.
Yeah, definitely try facing the light source as something white to reflect/diffuse the light, or place a white fabric of some sort to diffuse the light source.
Not sure if you meant this as a tip of what to do or not to do, MattB:
“By the way, the closer your background is to you, the more it will be lit up, assuming the light bulb is your only light source.”
Presumably you are suggesting to step away from the background if possible, since you don’t really need the audience to focus on it. In addition to reducing light on the backdrop, you’ll produce softer shadows the further away from it you are. Which is typically a desirable goal.
Yeah, my background comment was informational, so people would know what to expect, and then adjust one way or the other if desired. However, you are right, I was also suggesting stepping away from the background for the reasons you mention. I noted the desirable darker background of another Magne’s videos a few paragraphs earlier. (It would have been nicer to have those pieces closer together.)
Thanks for the additional explanation of the benefits of the background suggestion!
And also thanks for the feedback! ;D