Overexposure/Hot Spots

[Addicted2H2O]

While diving Cozumel a few days ago I shot some video of Paradise Reef, which is a max depth of 40 ft. Lots of sunlight, but I still run a video light to add red back into the picture instead of a red filter. And it helps to illuminate under crevices, shelves, etc.

GoPro Hero 4 Silver (borrowed)
i-Das aluminum tray system
i-Torch Venom 38 video light set at about 1500 lumens (I think)

I noticed while watching the footage this morning that a lot of times the bottom in the background gets really bright and washed out, like hot spots. Curious as to what causes this and how to combat it.

Thoughts?

 

[large_diver]

I assume you are not running the light on its highest setting if it has multiple brightness settings (and choosing flood vs. spot if that is an option)? I know some folks will rig some sort of diffuser to help with this if it is recurring problem

 

[Addicted2H2O]

The funny thing is it's in areas where it doesn't even appear light is reaching. And yes, it's a flood pattern light, as opposed to a spot. And no, the highest setting is 3800 lumens. I don't know that I'd even run that at night because it would cause too much backscatter, although I have in the past along with another 2000 lumen Sola. It was like swimming around with then sun!