Lighting

Key light

The key is the most important light of all, it is used to highlight the form and dimension of the subject. It is normally straight on causing no shadows and is a very simple but effective way of lighting your subject.

• Back light

A back light is used to light the actor from behind which is usually done to either separate the actor form a dull background or to make them stand out and to be the key person in the scene.

• Fill light

A fill light s used to light up the shadows that are created by any other lights on set, it usually positioned behind the actor to the side and is not as powerful as the other lights because it is not meant to be picked up by the audience.

• Three point lighting

Three point lighting is a mix of all of the above; fill light, back light and key lighting. Three point lighting is often used to add dimensions to your shot and to create more of an ambience to your scene that without may be boring and flat.

Side light

Side Lighting, is a type of lighting that comes from the side parallel to your actor, it is very useful because it reveals texture within your scene and creates tension and suspense by often only having half your actors face lit.

• Bounce light

Bounce is a form of light that has been reflected of another source, possibly the sun or a studio light. It is done to diffuse the light and create a softer less harsh light on the actor. Bounce light can be very helpful on set especially in golden hour or when you have good natural light you will not need to set up a studio light but can use your reflector to manipulate the natural light itself.

• Hard light

Hard light creates sharp and harsh shadows on your actor, this is normally from natural light and unwanted by directors because it can break the verisimilitude for the audience. But can often be fixed by using a reflector or diffuser.

• Soft light

Soft light is the opposite to hard light and is often used in films when there is not much going on but lighting is needed, soft light is great way to nicely light up your scene by not taking any attention away from the directors.

• soft front light with hard back light

This contrast is used to create a dramatic feel to your scene with the subjects back being very harshly lighted creating a halo glow and a soft light on front is used so you can still see the face.

• Halo light (particularly for music video and documentary)

Halo light is an artistic way of lighting an interview or a music video. It perfectly lights up the subjects face evenly, creating a perfect shot for the cinematographer. But problems do arise with this, sometimes the ring can be seen in the pupils of the subject which can also break the verisimilitude for the audience, which means the lights need to be positioned at the side, which wont allows the face to be evenly light up or you use another lighting set up.

• Natural light

Natural light is where the director will use the sun or a natural source of light in the scene because a studio light is not necessary, natural light often works well because it is organic which keeps the reality for the audience.

• Filming in the “golden hour”

Golden Hour is sunrise or sunset. It is the prime time for filmmakers as it offers an amazing natural golden glow which really adds texture to the film along as it being ascetically pleasing to the audience.