Shot on Irix: How to Light a Nostalgic Skating Rink

In a recent Godox Production Series Video, cinematographer Jameson Brooks, from Amarillo Texas, teamed up with lighting brand Godox to illuminate a nostalgic skate rink. While the tutorial primarily showcases Godox's lighting prowess, we at Irix found a different aspect of the shoot particularly interesting - the use of our Irix Cine 21mm and 45mm lenses. This piece delves into how the 21mm lens, coupled with the Red Komodo camera, played a pivotal role in capturing the essence of the shoot. (The 45mm T1.5 was only used for a few close-ups in scene 2.) No other lenses were used. 

The Setting: A Nostalgic Skate Rink

The video takes us back in time, highlighting a vintage skating rink bathed in diverse lighting setups by Godox. From vibrant colors to subtle hues, each lighting scenario created unique atmospheres, perfectly capturing the nostalgic essence of the location.

The Star: Irix Cine 21mm Lens

While the Godox tutorial provides insightful information on lighting techniques, our focus lies on the Irix Cine 21mm lens and its performance throughout the shoot. Mounted on the Red Komodo camera, the lens was instrumental in translating the mood and ambiance of the skating rink onto the screen. 

Important moments in the video: 

• 00:50 Short film (Final results) 
• 01:47 Location & Camera set

Capturing Wide Angles with Precision

The Irix Cine 21mm lens is known for its wide-angle capability, making it an ideal choice for capturing expansive scenes without compromising on detail. In the skating rink, the lens effortlessly encompassed the vastness of the space, ensuring that no element of the nostalgic atmosphere was missed.

Clarity and Sharpness in Low Light

One of the standout features of the Irix Cine 21mm lens is its ability to deliver crystal-clear images, even in low-light conditions. This was evident in the shoot, where the lens perfectly adapted to the various lighting setups, from dimly lit corners to brightly illuminated spots, maintaining sharpness and clarity in every frame.

Minimal Distortion: A Key for Cinematographers

A challenge in wide-angle cinematography is distortion, which can alter the reality of a space. The Irix Cine 21mm lens addresses this with its minimal distortion feature, ensuring that the skate rink's nostalgic charm was preserved authentically.

The Result: A Visual Feast

The combination of the Irix Cine 21mm lens and the Red Komodo camera resulted in stunning visuals that not only captured the essence of the skate rink but also showcased the versatility and capability of the lens in a dynamic, real-world environment.

Conclusion: A Lens That Complements Every Setting

The video is a testament to how the right lens can elevate a shoot. The Irix Cine 21mm lens proved to be more than just an equipment choice; it was a key player in bringing the nostalgic skate rink to life. For cinematographers like James Brooks and lighting experts at Godox, it's tools like these that turn creative visions into vivid realities.

For more insights and explorations into the world of Irix cinematography and photography, stay tuned to our blog. We continue to celebrate and explore the art of visual storytelling, one lens, one story at a time.