LIGHTING

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lighting

A Cinematographer is responsible for controlling the amount of light in a scene and that enters the camera. They are also responsible for controlling the source, direction and colour of the light.

Roger Deakins: (-1.30)

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lighting

Intensity Source Direction Colour

Lighting

• The classical method is to shoot scenes via the three point lighting system (key, fill and back light)

Key light = primary lighting source;

Fill = used to soften or eliminate shadows

Back = from behind the subjects

• The combination establishes a clear composition

Lighting source (3) One Light

Often there is only one light on an object or subject.

This can be extremely effective in representing a subject in a particular way.

A technique used by big budget Cinematographers but an accessible technique for filmmakers with limited equipment.

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Lighting

Light can be removed to create meaning / atmosphere

Lighting also guides the audiences’ attention towards an object, figure etc.

Hard lighting – creates clearly defined shadows

Soft lighting - creates a difused illumination.

Effects and connotations

Hard light – heavy dark shadows horror – intense - thriller

soft light – limited shadows very smooth silky look

glamour – romance.

Your turn….

Take 3 still photographs using lighting (with one light) and camera angle to represent the same actor in different ways:

Antagonist A Love interest A third representation of

your choice