Knowledge check Continuous Studio Lighting for Catwalk Motion
12 questions in pool · live exam draws 5
SPVC03
Q1 multiple-choice · continuous-vs-strobe Why does Catwalk use continuous studio lighting instead of strobes?
Source: SPVC03 §1 — Why continuous lighting.
Explanation: Catwalk is video-first. Cameras roll at 25/30/50/60 fps. Strobes can’t pop fast enough or consistently per frame. Continuous = constant illumination = clean video.
Q2 multiple-select · light-families Which are the three continuous-light families used on Catwalk? (Select all that apply.)
Source: SPVC03 §2 — Three continuous-light families.
Explanation: Three families = Fresnel, open-face/spot, soft panel. Strobe is what Catwalk avoids. Lasers aren’t a fashion lighting family.
Q3 multiple-choice · key-light-position Basic 3-light setup on Catwalk. Where do you typically place the key (Fresnel)?
Source: SPVC03 §3.1 — Key light placement.
Explanation: Front-3/4 + head height + slight down angle = primary directional source defining form. Above-only flattens; behind = backlight; floor = unflattering uplight.
Q4 multiple-choice · color-temp-calibration Before a Catwalk session, you have 3 fixtures from 2 different brands. Correct K calibration approach:
Source: SPVC03 §4.1 — Pre-session calibration.
Explanation: All fixtures one K target. Verify with color checker. Don’t rely on camera AWB — it can’t compensate for mixed-K source-side.
Q5 multiple-choice · shutter-rule Shooting Catwalk video at 25 fps. Per the cinema shutter rule, recommended shutter speed:
Source: SPVC03 §5.1 — Shutter speed.
Explanation: Cinema rule = 1/(2× fps). At 25 fps → 1/50 s. Gives natural motion blur per frame; faster shutter = stuttery, slower = too blurred.
Q6 multiple-choice · silk-handling Model in a black silk evening gown with high specular sheen. Best lighting adjustment from basic 3-light:
Source: SPVC03 §6.1 — Silk + satin.
Explanation: Silk hot-spot blowout looks bad on camera. Diffusion + softer fill + reduced key = controls the specular without losing form.
Q7 multiple-choice · flicker Test video shows subtle pulsing brightness even though room lights look stable. Most likely cause:
Source: SPVC03 §7 Failure 1.
Explanation: Cheap LEDs use PWM dimming that flickers at certain frequencies. Test fixtures at desired shutter speeds before sessions; swap problem fixtures.
Q8 multiple-choice · exposure-drift Outfit looks well-exposed at 12 o’clock position but 1 stop dark at 6 o’clock position during rotation. Most likely cause + fix:
Source: SPVC03 §7 Failure 2.
Explanation: Asymmetric lighting setup → exposure varies through rotation. Fix by rebalancing fixture positions.
Q9 multiple-choice · aperture-range Typical Catwalk aperture range for keeping model in focus during walk:
Source: SPVC03 §5.2 — Aperture.
Explanation: f/4-f/8 balances depth (whole model in focus through walk) with available continuous-light brightness. Shallower = depth-of-field issues; deeper = needs more light.
Q10 multiple-choice · sequins Sequin party top, dense embellishments on dark base. Best lighting adjustment:
Source: SPVC03 §6.5 — Sequins.
Explanation: Sequins act as small mirrors; need hard light hits for sparkle. But avoid blowing out the underlying fabric — balance is the discipline.
Q11 true-false · fomei-relevance FOMEI is a Czech lighting brand commonly seen in CZ fashion + product studios alongside ARRI / Aputure.
Source: SPVC03 §2.4 — A note on FOMEI / Czech market.
Explanation: PhotoRobot is Czech; FOMEI is widely used in CZ studios. Same lighting principles as ARRI/Aputure, different brand badges.
Q12 multiple-choice · background Model is well-exposed but white seamless backdrop reads grey/dim. Most likely cause + fix:
Source: SPVC03 §7 Failure 5.
Explanation: Background needs its own dedicated lighting. For white seamless “high key” look, backdrop often wants ~1 stop brighter than model.
Ready to commit? You can review and change your answers before submitting. Once submitted, this attempt is final and we'll show you your score, correct answers, and explanations.
Submit final answers
