LIGHTING
Filmmakers deliberately use lighting to develop the narrative and engage the audience. Lighting can either be naturalistic or expressive. Naturalistic lighting is when film makers attempt to create realistic lighting. Practical lighting (that is, lighting found on location) is often used to create a sense of realism but it is important to consider that naturalistic lighting can come from artificial sources as well. Expressive lighting is any stylised lighting technique that is used to create a specific mood.
Lighting for film is called cinematography, and the person responsible is known as the Cinematographer, or Director of Photography (DoP), assisted by lighting technicians, or Gaffers. The video below shows how a DoP thinks about lighting a shot. you must always consider what information any given scene is communicating to the audience before deciding how the lighting can help give that information.
THREE POINT LIGHTING
Three point lighting is the standard way to light a subject for film. It creates depth in the frame, capturing a three dimensional look. It is also vital in order to separate your subject from its background.
The video below shows exactly how to set up three point lighting. Watch closely, as you'll be doing this yourself!
Three point lighting is the standard way to light a subject for film. It creates depth in the frame, capturing a three dimensional look. It is also vital in order to separate your subject from its background.
The video below shows exactly how to set up three point lighting. Watch closely, as you'll be doing this yourself!