When lighting a Scene is it best to over light but not blow out or....

[Crossroad Films]

have it close to what you want it...Im shooting with a 7D so its no Red epic and I cant get alot of the information back they might be able to in the editing process...So is it always better to turn down in post or have it pretty close to what you want

 

[Lucky Hardwood]

You either light for the exposure you want or expose for the light you have. Obviously, it's better to have the creative freedom to choose how much light you need for the look that you are after. There is an old expression that goes 'get it right in camera.' The better your raw capture is the less work is required in post and the better the finished product will likely be.

 

[jax_rox]

Get it right on the day. Make a decision on how you want it to look, light accordingly and get it right in camera.

Especially on a 7D.

 

[knightly]

From a grading perspective, keep in mind though that it's safer to darken than to lighten as it'll hide its flaws better... that said, if there's something you have to choose between two evils, it's best to push it ever so slightly over and bring it down later than to under expose and have to bring the shadows up.

Ideally, add light to the darks and expose correctly in the first place.

 

[wheatgrinder]

NEVER blow out skin.. Watch for hot spots that are blowing out.. that kills me time and time again..

 

[knightly]

I'd avoid as many blowouts as you can, missing data is simply missing and can't be recovered no matter what you do.