Black Shading for RED Cameras: Shane Hurlbut’s Secret Weapon

If you’re a RED camera user striving for perfect blacks, vibrant colors, and noise-free footage, then mastering the art of black shading is your golden ticket.

This simple yet crucial technique, often overlooked by beginners, is a secret weapon wielded by industry professionals like Shane Hurlbut, ASC, to elevate their RED camera footage to a whole new level.

WHY BLACK SHADE YOUR RED?

Unlike some other high-end cinema cameras (like the Sony Venice, ARRI Alexa, or Canon), RED cameras require black shading to maintain optimal image quality.

Neglecting this process can lead to undesirable artifacts in your footage:

Fixed pattern noise: Unsightly lines or patterns of pixels that appear due to sensor inconsistencies.
Hot pixels: Bright pixels that stand out from the surrounding image, often caused by heat or sensor damage.
Dead pixels: Pixels that don’t record any light at all, resulting in black spots in your image.

Black shading calibrates your camera’s sensor, effectively mapping out these inconsistencies and compensating for them during image capture. The result is cleaner, more consistent footage with accurate blacks and vibrant colors.

SHANE HURLBUT, ASC’S BLACK SHADING TUTORIAL

In this insightful video, Shane and his 1st AC Derek Edwards provide a comprehensive guide to black shading your RED camera. They cover everything from blacking out the camera to navigating the menu settings, offering a clear and concise walkthrough that even beginners can follow.

Follow these key steps to unlock your camera’s full potential:

1. USE A METAL PORT CAP

This helps to create the perfect black environment needed for black shading. If you only have a plastic lens port, be sure to cover it thoroughly with photo black tape.

2. LET YOUR CAMERA WARM UP

For optimal results, wait 30 minutes to an hour before performing a black shade to ensure that the camera’s internal temperature has stabilized.

3. BLACK SHADING DURATION

The duration varies depending on the camera model. DSMC1 cameras require a 45-minute auto black shade. Meanwhile, DSMC2 models (Helium, Monstro, Gemini) need a quick 5-minute manual black shade.

4. ADJUST FOR TEMPERATURE

Perform black shading in the environments you’ll be shooting in. This accounts for temperature variations that can impact sensor performance.

5. LABEL YOUR BLACK SHADES

To avoid confusion, label each black shade with relevant information like location, temperature, and conditions.

6. DSMC3 CAMERAS DON’T NEED BLACK SHADING

This is a welcome relief for users of newer RED cameras. However, black shading remains essential for DSMC1 and DSMC2 models.

UNLOCKING YOUR RED CAMERA’S POTENTIAL

Black shading might seem like a minor technical detail, but its impact on image quality cannot be overstated. By taking the time to black shade your RED camera, you’re ensuring that you’re capturing the cleanest, most consistent footage possible. This translates to less time spent in post-production fixing issues and more time focusing on your creative vision.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring filmmaker, mastering black shading is a valuable skill that can elevate your cinematography to a new level.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Black shading may seem like a small step, but it can have a major impact on the quality of your RED footage. By following the tips and techniques shared by Shane Hurlbut and Derek Edwards, you can unlock the full potential of your camera and elevate your filmmaking to the next level.

Remember, the RED DSMC3 series doesn’t require black shading, so if you’re using one of these newer models, you can skip this step.

So, are you ready to take your RED footage to the next level? Start black shading today and see the difference it makes!

MASTER THE HOLLYWOOD STANDARD OF CAMERA CREWS

Ready to become the go-to person in any camera department? Sharpen your skills and master the art of on-set camera work with the all-new Camera Crew Playbook Masterclass.

Led by 1st AC Derek Edwards and acclaimed cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC, this in-depth course covers it all: focus pulling, equipment troubleshooting, on-set communication, and more.

Learn more about the Camera Crew Prep Masterclass!

ABOUT DEREK EDWARDS

Derek Edwards is the trusted 1st AC of renowned cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC, with over 20 years of experience on major Hollywood productions. He’s a master of his craft, constantly pushing the boundaries of camera technology and methodology.

Book a Coaching Session with Derek Edwards today!

ABOUT SHANE HURLBUT, ASC

Shane Hurlbut, ASC, is a visionary cinematographer and innovator. He’s a pioneer in the digital filmmaking revolution and a passionate educator dedicated to sharing his knowledge with the next generation of filmmakers.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best in the business. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these tips will help you sharpen your focus and elevate your craft.

Book a Coaching Session with Shane Hurlbut, ASC today!