Lighting

Why use lighting?

• Visibility
• Dimension- make the actor stand out from their surroundings
• Technically- want to avoid image noise, thus lighting improves the quality of the footage
• Artistically- lighting may be arranged in a certain way to create a certain mood, tone or atmosphere.

Three point lighting:

                                   



1. Key light

• Strongest, brightest and main source of illumination, which aims directly at the subject, anywhere between 10 to 50 degrees off the lens' central axis 
• The closer you place the key to subject, the flatter the image, whereas placing this light further away creates more dramatic shadows on the face
• Place the light at approximately 45 degree angle above the subject 

2. Fill light

• Softer light and used to fill in the shadows and placed on the opposite side to the key light. 
• Should be placed on the opposite side to the fill light
• This light should be diffused
• A reflector board can be used as a filler 

3. Back light

• A single spot light placed behind the subject, which adds a three dimensional quality to the image. 
• It should light up the actors, hair and shoulders. 
• In order to reduce the possibility of lens flare, use barn doors, by lowering the top horizontal flaps. 

2 point lighting: 

                                    

• Two point lighting can consist of using the key light and the back light, two back lights and other variations. 

Examples from Soul Searcher 

Types of lighting: 

A. Low key lighting 

• Low key lighting often uses only one key light, optionally controlled with a fill light or a simple reflector 
• Creates chiaroscuro effect 
• Harsh shadows are cast upon the subject create a more dramatic and moodier look.

B. High key lighting 

• Can use three point lighting to evenly light the scene with no harsh shadows
• The image is bright, creating a light hearted mood is created 

My reflection: 

I have been enriched with knowledge about the different lighting techniques and effects that can be used for a film production. After reviewing lighting examples, I find that soft, low contrast lighting is mostly suited for romantic comedy type films, whereas higher contrast lighting is best suited for darker or more dramatic films. Due to the intense nature and dramatic content of our film, I feel that low key lighting would be appropriate to use for the most part to reflect Michael's emotions. However, during the scenes whereby Michael begins to discover his inner-child, high key lighting should be used, to capture a more uplifting mood. 

Additionally, I learnt that additional, practical light sources within the scene makes the shot more interesting and adds to the film lighting.