Category: Blog

smoke grenade bomb wedding photo video Toronto

How to Use Smoke Bombs for Amazing Wedding or Event Photos

Posted on by Big City

Here comes the smoke show! We love a good smoke bomb photo and according to the reaction to this photo:

smoke grenade bomb wedding photography video Toronto

We aren’t the only ones. Whether you use them for engagement photos, as a fun getaway, or just set them off to add some colour to your portraits, the effect is undeniable. We always get questions about smoke bombs and how they work, so let’s cover the basics!

Do smoke bombs stain?

Yes, they can if you are too close. Set them off in the distance and get some help from an assistant or friend. After setting the smoke bomb down, if you are 2-3 feet away and just standing in the smoke cloud, it should NOT stain your clothing or anything for that matter.

How long do smoke bombs last?

You’ll want to be photo-ready—they last about 90 seconds! And once you pull the trigger, it takes up to 10 seconds to fully release.

Can you use smoke bombs at night?

Yes! In fact, the effect can be REALLY cool. Just make sure you have some good backlighting to capture the mood.

Are smoke bombs safe?

Definitely be aware of high winds (if there are high winds you won’t want to use them) and inhaling the smoke. You should also consider crowds ,you should be in an open area outdoors.

How should I plan with my photographer?

See if your photographer has worked with smoke bombs before! There are a few tricks of the trade and ideas they may have to capture that perfect shot. You can even do a few practice rounds before lighting the plumes! If you have any photos for inspiration (ahem, plenty of which are below!), be sure to send those over ahead of time.

Can you use smoke bombs in public?

Smoke bombs are considered a firework and therefore are banned in many local and national parks. This might also apply to your venue, so do research in advance to make sure you are allowed to use them for your photos. By the way, this also means you can’t fly with smoke bombs in your luggage!

Below we sell wire pull smoke bombs (you don’t need to light anything, just pull the wire) and they burn cool, not hot. Plus these smoke bombs were made for smoke bomb photographers! And the part we love? These smoke bombs are non-toxic smoke with a fully biodegradable body.

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You can also use smoke bombs for gender reveal parties!

We have them in both pink and Blue and are packaged discreetly so you don’t know the colour until you pull the tab!


SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW!

90 Second Smoke Grenade

100 Second Gender Reveal Smoke

Gender Reveal Confetti Cannon

smoke grenade bomb wedding photography video Toronto

smoke grenade bomb wedding photo video Toronto

smoke grenade bomb wedding photography video Toronto

blue smoke bomb grenade gender reveal boy Canada

Unleash Creativity with the Big City Magic 40w RGBWA Lighting Tube!

Posted on by Presil Roshan

The Big City Magic 40w RGBWA Lighting Tube is a must-have tool for any filmmaker, photographer, or event planner looking to create captivating lighting effects. With its versatility and remote control capabilities, you have the power to transform any scene into a work of art. Elevate your creativity and illuminate your world with the Big City Magic 40w RGBWA Lighting Tube!

Here is the comprehensive tutorial we’ve crafted to help you master the Big City Magic 40w RGBWA Lighting Tube, unlocking its full potential to create mesmerizing lighting effects for your films, events, and creative projects.

SOUND DESIGNING TECHNIQUES

Posted on by Presil Roshan

Sound design approaches entail altering and producing audio aspects to improve the auditory experience in a variety of genres such as film, television, theater, video games, and others.

Here are some typical methods used in sound design:

Foley: The practice of producing and recording sound effects in time with on-screen action is known as foley. To increase the authenticity and immersion of a scenario, it entails replicating and recording common noises like footsteps, door creaks, or object interactions.

Ambience and atmosphere: Adding background ambience and atmospheric sounds, such as crowd noise, natural noises, or room tone, to a soundscape helps to make it authentic and immersive. This method aids in setting the scene’s scene and mood.

image of artist recording ambience

Dialogue Editing and Mixing: Ensuring clear and intelligible dialogue by editing, cleaning, and enhancing recorded dialogue tracks. Balancing the levels of dialogue with other audio elements to achieve optimal clarity and consistency is also a crucial part of sound design.

image of sound engineer editing dialogue

Musical Score and Soundtracks: Selecting or composing music and soundtracks to complement and enhance the emotional impact and narrative of a scene or project. Music can be used to set the tone, create tension, or evoke specific emotions.

image of orchestra
The score consists of original music composed specifically for the film. A soundtrack, on the other hand, is a collection of carefully selected songs that will be featured in the film.

Layering and Sound Stacking: Layering multiple sounds together to create more complex and rich audio textures. This technique involves combining various sound elements, such as footsteps, background ambience, and foley, to build a more immersive sonic experience.

Sound synthesis and manipulation: Using hardware or software tools to synthesize or manipulate audio to produce unusual or fantastical sound effects. Using this method, sound designers can create sounds that don’t already exist or change existing sounds into something completely new.

Dynamic Range Compression and EQ: Adjusting the dynamic range and frequency balance of audio tracks using compression and equalization techniques. This makes it easier to maintain even volume levels and tonal harmony throughout various audio elements.

image of switches in sound mixing board

The auditory experience in different media forms can be shaped and improved using these sound design techniques in a variety of ways.

 

Some of the most popular sound editing software is:

sound editing software ima

  • Pro Tools
  • Adobe Audition
  • Logic Pro
  • Ableton Live
  • Cubase
  • Studio One
  • Nuendo
  • Sound Forge Pro
  • Reaper
  • Audacity

 

FILM LOCATIONS VS SETS

Posted on by Presil Roshan

Film locations and sets are two distinct aspects of film production that are used to create the settings and environments seen in films and television shows. They serve different functions and are frequently used in tandem to achieve the desired visual and storytelling elements.

Film Locations: Film locations are actual locations where scenes are shot. These can include city streets, buildings, parks, natural landscapes, historical sites, and other outdoor or indoor locations. Using real locations can give the film more authenticity and realism. Filmmakers frequently select locations that complement the story and setting they want to depict.

The advantages of using film locations:

Authenticity: Using genuine locales creates a feeling of realism that is difficult to imitate with sets.
Unique Atmosphere: Some sites have a particular vibe or appearance that cannot be simply replicated on a set.
Cost-Effective: In certain circumstances, filming on location is less expensive than building complex sets.
Saving Time: Using existing locations might help you save time while developing and designing sets.

The difficulties of using film locations:

Limited control: Filmmakers have less control over external circumstances like as weather, noise, and other uncontrollable components.
Permissions and Logistics: Obtaining permissions and coordinating logistics may be difficult, especially in congested or sensitive areas.
Inconsistent Look: Different sequences shot in different places may have varying lighting and other aesthetic flaws.

Example of Location. A news reporter is reporting news from a live location with filming crew.

 

Sets: Film sets are physical settings that are particularly built and planned for filmmaking purposes. These can be constructed within sound stages or on studio backlots. Sets provide filmmakers entire control over the setting, including lighting, props, and set dressing. They are frequently employed when a certain place is impossible to reach, does not exist in real life, or when filmmakers want complete creative control over the scene.

Sets provide the following advantages:

Control: Filmmakers have complete control over the set, allowing them to achieve the desired appearance and feel.
Consistency: Sets ensure a constant aesthetic throughout production, reducing differences that may occur while shooting in multiple locations.
Special Effects: Sets allow the employment of special effects and stunts in films controlled and safe.

Cons of using sets:

Cost: Creating and creating sets may be costly, particularly for intricate and large-scale environments.
Realism: While sets might be stunning, it may be impossible to replicate some scenes with the same level of realism as genuine locales.
Space and Time: Building sets need enough room and time, both of which are not always accessible.

 

Example of Film Set. Image of the behind the scene of a live interview.

 

To produce the finest effects, many films employ a blend of film locations and sets. Filmmakers frequently pick what is most practical and cost-effective while keeping the project’s creative goal in mind.

 

Video Editing Techniques and Transitions

Posted on by Presil Roshan

 

Video editing is the process of manipulating and rearranging video footage, audio, and visual elements to create a final, polished video.

Video editing Timeline

Some of the widely used editing techniques are:

 

Continuity Editing: Continuity editing aims to maintain visual coherence and consistency by ensuring smooth transitions and logical sequencing of shots.

Cut: The most basic type of edit, a cut involves removing a portion of a clip and joining it with another clip or scene. It helps maintain the flow and pace of your video

 

 

Cross-cutting: Cross-cutting, also known as parallel editing, involves intercutting between two or more separate storylines or actions happening simultaneously, creating tension or highlighting connections between them.

Cutting on Action: Cutting on action refers to the technique of making a cut in the middle of a character’s action or movement, creating a smooth and continuous flow between shots.
Jump Cut: A jump cut is an abrupt transition between shots within the same scene, creating a noticeable jump in time or action. It can be used for stylistic purposes or to create a sense of tension or urgency.
Match Cut: A match cut is a transition where a visual or audio element in one shot is matched with a similar element in the next shot, creating a seamless connection between the two.
L Cut: An L cut is when audio from the previous shot extends into the following shot, allowing for a smooth audio-visual transition.
J Cut: A J cut is an editing technique commonly used in film and video production. It refers to a type of audio-visual transition where the audio from the next shot begins before the current shot has finished.

 

Smash Cut: A smash cut is a sudden and jarring transition between shots, typically used to create a strong contrast or surprise effect.
Invisible Cut: An invisible cut is an edit that is seamlessly integrated, making the transition between shots nearly imperceptible to the viewer.
Fade In/Out: A fade in is a gradual increase in the visibility of an image or audio, while a fade out is a gradual decrease. They are often used to indicate the beginning or end of a scene or to create a transition effect.
Cross Dissolve: A cross dissolve, also known as a cross fade, is a transition where one shot gradually blends into the next shot by simultaneously fading out the first image and fading in the second image.
Cutaways and Inserts: Cutaways are brief shots that temporarily divert the viewer’s attention from the main action, providing additional context or detail.
Inserts are close-up shots of specific details or objects that add visual information.

Some of the most famous video editing software is –

  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Final Cut Pro
  • Avid Media Composer
  • DaVinci Resolve
  • Sony Vegas Pro
  • iMovie
  • HitFilm Express
  • Filmora
  • Pinnacle Studio
  • Magix Movie Edit Pro
IMAGES OF LOGOS OF FAMOUS VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARES

 

top 6 gadgets Big City Canada

Top 6 Big City Gadgets and Devices 2023

Posted on by Jane Good

What are the top 6 gadgets and devices at Big City Lights you might be asking yourself? The video below mentions all these fascinating products:

 

Number one: Multi-Colour LED Flame Bulb with App Control

  • With the wide variety of colours that is sound activated, this flame bulb could be used for any purpose.

LED Flame Bulb

Number two: 90 Second Smoke Grenade

  • Comes in many colours that could be used for film, photography, weddings, concerts and more.

 

scary smoke grenade bomb horror photo video Toronto

Number three: Electric Motorized Photography Slider/Dolly Car with Smart Phone Control

  • Great for panning and time lapse photography or video, all controlled through your smart phone.

 

Dolly Car

Number four: The Big City Magic RGBWA Film Lighting Tube

  • A powerful LED light that includes 9 special effects from police lights to candlelight. Perfect for photography or film with the added mood lighting.

 

Magic RGBWA Lighting Tube

Number five: Movie Directors Clapper Board with Dry Erase Surface

  • Used in filmmaking and video production for the director and editors.

 

Clapper Board

And lastly, number six: Dual Arm Pro LED Light with Cell Phone Holder and Remote

  • This light is could be used for cosmetics photography, social media influencer, and tattoo artists. Is adjustable and includes a cell phone holder.

 

Dual Arm Pro

Want to learn more about these interesting products? Take a look at the video for more information.

 

 

starburst LED beauty light star eyes Canada makeup lighting

LED Starburst Light

Posted on by Jane Good

Presenting the new LED Starburst Light! A new product that provides the best light quality for any shoot. Whether you are a make up artist, influencer, music video director, or photographer the LED Starburst light will make your content look fabulous.

The video below highlights the benefits of the LED Starburst Light, what’s in the box, and the different features that can be used.

The benefits include:

  • A high colour rendering index (CRI) of 97
  • Built in temperature protection circuit
  • And a cell phone holder that attaches to the light

Some handy features this light has are:

  • 6 angle adjustable light tubes
  • Adjustable colour temperature
  • And the light creates a star effect in the subjects eyes

Watch the video for a closer look on the LED Starburst Light.

Cinematography in Filmmaking

Posted on by Jane Good

There are many fields in the film industry. Director, producer, lighting and camera crew, script writers and much more. A important job that influences the production in film that also creates and develops the visual narrative is cinematography.

So, what is cinematography?

It is the art and technology of motion-picture photography. This involves the lighting and location of a scene, camera choice, lens choice, camera angles and movements, as well as the involvement of any special effects.

Cinematography is important in film by supporting the overall look and mood of a film’s storyline. A cinematographer manages the camera and the lighting crew. they are responsible for creating the look of the scene, colour, lighting, and the framing of every shot in a film.

Some examples of cinematic techniques in filmmaking are:

  • Long shot

  • Close-up shot

  • Point-of-view shot

  • Bird’s-eye shot and more

These are some camera angles that cinematographers use to capture the story being told through different perspective that also cast different moods.

The 5 C’s of Cinematography

  1. Camera Angles – Vital to the stories narrative and the camera positioning helps to drive the story forward
  2. Continuity – To avoid inconsistencies, continuity must be considered in production and media
  3. Cutting – The order and sequence of shots become key in evoking the desired effect upon the audience
  4. Close-ups – Used to allow the viewer access to the intimate details of a characters emotions
  5. Composition – Plays a role in creating a mood and telling a story. Lighting, colours and spacing, among other visual aspects which are crucial in the co position of an image

Cinematography is used in every film and there are a wide range of motion-pictures that have creative cinematic experience. Here are two examples of cinematography in film.

Blade Runner 2049 – Cinematographer Roger Deakins

The attention to detail in the set design allows for long shots for the viewer to take in the atmosphere of the science fiction world with geometric designs. This angle provides a harsher look to the architecture that seems more imposing and unnerving when the characters are dwarfed by it.

The lighting in the film is constantly in motion, there are hardly any stationary light sources. The shift in light creates dynamic and alluring footage without being too distracting. Since the viewer knows what the source of light is, it enhances the reality of the scene.

Moonlight – Cinematographer James Laxton

Laxton uses bold colours and stunning shots to create an emotional experience. The film is driven by the internal conflicts of the characters rater than the plot. To communicate this in a visual way, the camera frames the subject so that they fill the majority of the screen, thus drawing the viewer into the emotional landscape being created. This would be a close up camera shot, it is used for the audience to see the emotional reactions of the characters more intimately.

During the swimming scene when Juan teaches Little to swim, the frame is set up in such a way that the viewer is not only watching this scene but also experiencing the rush of waves and Juan holding Little about the water. As if we, the audience are right next to them.

This is a brief synopsis of cinematography in film, as well as some examples where cinematographers used their creative and innovative thinking to create beautiful and stunning visuals to capture the heart of the story being told.

RGB Sexi Flexi flex panel Canada light lighting film

RGB Sexi-Flexi

Posted on by Jane Good

Introducing the RGB Sexi-Flexi flex light! A new product with a wide range of special effects and capabilities.

The video below highlights the important and useful aspects of a flex panel. It focuses on the durability and pliability of a flex panel, as well as how efficient they are in any environment.

The new RGB flex light model Big City Lights is offering has great energy efficiency with a colour temperature ranging from 2700K to 9999K. As well as a hard carrying case with the essential equipment, such as: a power adapter, cross frame holder, diffusion silk, control box, and a 90˚ light stand.

There are also many special effects with this model beyond the original Bi-Colour, including but not limited to:

  • Lighting mode
  • Police car mode
  • Emergency mode
  • TV mode
  • Strobe lights (green, red, white, blue)
  • Nightclub mode

And much more.

Check out the video for more details regarding the RGB Sexi-Flexi.

 

Top 5 Lighting Techniques

Posted on by Jane Good

One of the most important tools in staging a scene is lighting. Lighting develops the mood and setting in any production. It captures the audience and draws them into the storyline just by looking at the scene and the lighting techniques that are used.

This post will highlight the top 5 lighting techniques used in film production and their purposes for a scene.

Number 1: Soft Lighting

Soft lighting is commonly used for its aesthetically pleasing effect. It eliminates shadows and recreates subtle shades of light that has no strict definition of a light source. The purpose is to make the subject or object look less harsh. An example of this technique would be in the movie Restless (2011) where you can notice the soft light with no clear distinction between light and shadows, and has a calming effect.

Number 2: Hard Lighting

Hard lighting uses a direct beam from a light source or from the sunlight. This lighting creates shadows and harsh lines. It can also create silhouettes and highlights. An example would be in the movie The Dark Knight (2008) with the harsh tones of the subjects faces and the overlapping shadows to add to the mood of the scene and the intensity of the character.

Number 3: Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting, also known as “practical” lighting, consists of the lights that are present and natural, so this could be sunlight, lamplight, or an overhead light. Ambient lighting can add depth and dimension to a scene if used cleverly. It can also add a sense of realism to the scene that draws the viewers attention. You need to account for ambient light, especially when shooting outside.

Number 4: Three Point Lighting

Three point lighting is a media standard form of lighting, as in it is highly used in all forms of media such as film, video, and photography. Three point lighting includes key light, fill light, and a back light.

The key light is the primary light source. It is the most intense and direct light in the scene. The key light will illuminate the form of the object or actor. Secondly, the fill light cancels out the shadows created by the ket light. It adds softness to the shadows. Lastly, the back light hits an actor or object from behind. This is used to separate the object or actor from the background.

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Number 5: Motivated Lighting

Motivated light seeks to imitate natural light sources, such as sunlight, moonlight, street lights, head lights and more. This technique is used to emphasize the natural lights effect to help set the story or scene. It allows the audience to believe the world that is being presented.

Lighting as a whole is complex and broad. There is so much terminology and techniques that even choosing the top most common techniques was difficult because everyone has their own interpretation. This post was a simple introductory article about the diverse world of lighting in media, specifically in film.

teleprompter Canada video film production

The Benefits of a Teleprompter

Posted on by Jane Good

Interested in creating film content with efficiency that makes presenting look natural? Well, Big City Lights is offering a device just for that. Specifically, an affordable 16” teleprompter ideal for tablets that includes a travel case, a remote control and software. It is easy to use and works for any heavy duty tripod. Tripod and tablet are not included.

The video below shows the benefits of a teleprompter, as well as the assembly process. Take a look and find out all you need to know about a teleprompter.

Subtle Camera Work In The Handmaid’s Tale

Posted on by Jane Good

The Handmaid’s Tale: Season 5 Episode 2 “Ballet” SPOILERS!

An intense start to season 5 of the Handmaid’s Tale, Fred is dead, June is back home in Canada with her family, and Serena is trying to take a stand after her husbands death. What will happen next now that June’s villain is gone?

I was recently watching this season and was moved by how brilliant Elisabeth Moss is as an actress and a director. One specific moment that caught my attention is Fred’s funeral in episode 2 “Ballet” and not just because he is now officially gone. During this scene, the crew added some very subtle details that develop the characters into who they will be in this season but also shocking camera work that had me thinking about it for days.

The costumes were a minor identifier to Serena and Junes characters in this episode. Serena, with her all black attire, representing the bad or evil. June, with her stunning white dress, representing the good. This choice was to establish the roles these women will play, and the conflicts of good vs evil, angel vs devil. This leads into who Serena will become this season.

Another topic I wanted to cover is the end of the funeral scene. Now the funeral was originally supposed to be small and quiet, but Serena demanded the best for her husband, so she suggested a lavish, globally broadcasted affair, for those to witness what Gilead is like to the whole world. Remorseful, merciful, human. Serena walks behind the casket, looking regal and sorrowful. This whole event choreographed for her to look like she has control. Serena does care about her husband, but it is important to note that she had her own motives for this funeral. Mostly for it to pose as a form of revenge.

While the funeral continues, June and Luke are enjoying a day of normalcy. A chance to breathe before their world comes crashing down.

By the end of this episode, we see June and Luke staring up at the broadcast at Yonge-Dundas Square, watching as Serena kisses a young girls forehead. That girl being Hannah, June’s daughter.

This moment had me reeling. I could practically feel Junes anger and desperation through the screen. Now the moment that I want to highlight is at the very end where we see Serena subtly looking down with a smirk, while June is looking up with pure rage on her face. Almost as if they are looking directly at each other.

 

The camera work was brilliant for this scene, it creates mood and displays the shift in power and control between Serena and June. These angles are a psychological manipulator that manipulates our perception. So this camera technique is a low-angle shot, from Serena’s perspective, with a high-angle shot, from June’s perspective. These methods are commonly used in a scene when you want to portray a specific power dynamic between the characters. The person looking down, using a low-angle shot, would seem strong or powerful while the person looking up, using a high-angle shot, would seem vulnerable or powerless. So this angle gives Serena strength, it shows the audience that Serena is something to fear. June, in this moment, is powerless against Serena. She has no control.

Executive producer Warren Littlefield said when talking about this scene, “Serena Joy’s stepping in and getting on the throne, and she’s masterful. She’s powerful. She’s a great chess player.” Further proving that the villain of this season is Serena. Slowly making her way to power by sharing the benefits of Gilead with the rest of this world.

I have not watched the rest of the season, but I am excited to see what other masterful scenes Elisabeth Moss made. Also what the rest of season will bring.