Actors and Flash Bulbs

Linda Adams · Nov 30, 2008

This might seem like a pretty weird question ...

We all know what it's like when a flash bulb goes off on a camera and we're momentarily blinded by the flash. But what about actors who have to walk down a red carpet as hundreds of photographers take their pictures. Are there techniques the actor uses to avoid the worst of the flash bulbs?

Thanks!

smoothseas · Nov 30, 2008

Something I've never thought about, but good question.

Like skaters and dancers 'spotting' when they spin, eh?

RJK · Nov 30, 2008

I imagine it's just something they get used to. Have you ever looked closely at the eyes of the ladies reporting the news. you can see several bright lights mirrored in them. Those women are staring at the bright lights while reading a teleprompter.

Rabe · Dec 1, 2008

Linda Adams said:
This might seem like a pretty weird question ...

We all know what it's like when a flash bulb goes off on a camera and we're momentarily blinded by the flash. But what about actors who have to walk down a red carpet as hundreds of photographers take their pictures. Are there techniques the actor uses to avoid the worst of the flash bulbs?

Thanks!

Yes, it's a very simple technique.

Don't look directly at the flash. And for the most part, when they are walking down those carpets it's not completely dark. Lots and lots of bright lights are already there.

The combination of a bright light source and not staring directly at the flash will keep the flash from being 'blinding'. However, putting one or two out of whack will cause the sensation.

Which is why most photographers (professional types) will tell you to look at a point just behind or to the side of the lens and/or flash area. It helps to create the 'illusion' of looking into the camera but getting rid of the 'flash bounce' off the retina commonly referred to as 'red eye'.

These techniques, however, don't mean you can see past the flashing, just that you aren't blinded by it.

Rabe...

Sarpedon · Dec 1, 2008

I believe I heard a rumor that movie stars started wearing sunglasses for just that reason; that and the kliegl lights. Thats what supposedly made sunglasses fashionable.

Smiling Ted · Dec 1, 2008

Sarpedon said:
I believe I heard a rumor that movie stars started wearing sunglasses for just that reason; that and the kliegl lights. Thats what supposedly made sunglasses fashionable.

Klieg lights. The man who invented them was Kliegl, but the lights themselves are called Kliegs.

Sunglasses are fashionable because the movie industry is centered in Los Angeles. Here in LA, sunglasses are really a necessity. Spending a day without them - or some kind of eye protection - is just asking for a glare headache.

Sarpedon · Dec 1, 2008

I consider Kliegl to be correct. If I were to invent something, I don't want people to call it something else just because they think my name sounds funny.

lexxi · Dec 1, 2008

smoothseas said:
Like skaters and dancers 'spotting' when they spin, eh?

Off topic, but skaters generally don't spot while they spin. I know I don't, and I don't even spin that fast.

Closer to on-topic, flash photography is forbidden at skating competitions for a reason. But sometimes fans ignore the rules, and shows with theatrical lighting usually allow it, so elite skaters must get used to it and just hope no one flashes a camera in their eyes right when they're taking off for the trickiest jumps.

Linda Adams · Dec 1, 2008

Rabe said:
Yes, it's a very simple technique.

Don't look directly at the flash. And for the most part, when they are walking down those carpets it's not completely dark. Lots and lots of bright lights are already there.

The combination of a bright light source and not staring directly at the flash will keep the flash from being 'blinding'. However, putting one or two out of whack will cause the sensation.

Which is why most photographers (professional types) will tell you to look at a point just behind or to the side of the lens and/or flash area. It helps to create the 'illusion' of looking into the camera but getting rid of the 'flash bounce' off the retina commonly referred to as 'red eye'.

These techniques, however, don't mean you can see past the flashing, just that you aren't blinded by it.

Rabe...

Thanks! This a big help

Smiling Ted · Dec 1, 2008

Sarpedon said:
I consider Kliegl to be correct. If I were to invent something, I don't want people to call it something else just because they think my name sounds funny.

The only people who use the lights call them "Kliegs."
So did the Kliegl brothers themselves.
Their catalogs from at least 1950 on list "Klieglights" and "Kliegboards," not "Kliegl lights" and "Kliegl boards."

Actors and Flash Bulbs

Linda Adams

Soldier, Storyteller

smoothseas

Life sucks... Then ya die...

RJK

Sheriff Bullwinkle the Poet says:

Rabe

the living dead

Sarpedon

Smiling Ted

Ah-HA!

Sarpedon

lexxi

bold enough for both those XXs

Linda Adams

Soldier, Storyteller

Smiling Ted

Ah-HA!