ALL DESIGN TOOLS
Here is an example of using practical effects with post production to achieve realistic lighting.
In the second slide you can see the before image of Shannah opening the book and you'll notice the on-set light that seems to emit from the book. In the bottom image you'll notice the light is off at this point. Then by using a piece of cardboard, we covered up the secondary light and slowing uncovered it as the book opened for a more realistic effect.
To be more specific, a piece of reflective cloth was laid on the talent's lap and the light from above was reflected off it.
You'll also notice her hair is slightly displaced from a perfectly timed industrial fan. How perfectly timed? Think about this; light travels faster than air so we had start the fan before the book was even opened so that it would all happen at the right time, then as the book opened the light was revealed with a touch of magical air. Sure it took more than one take but man... I"m glad I don't pay by the hour.
Thanks Shannah for helping out!
and reflect the light off of tinfoil inside the book for a better "source" light.
