Lighting Technologies
Film lighting technology can make commercial short films, movies or TV shows look more cinematic, and help stories jump off the screen.
Lighting technology is invaluable to filmmakers of any level.
For the director, lighting technology can help him communicate with the photographer more efficiently. For a writer, lighting technology can help him to design the text more carefully on paper to set the tone of the story. For the other staff on the set, it will take a lot of time to wait for everyone to adjust the lighting of the movie.
Therefore, it is very important for everyone on the set to understand the lighting technology of movies.
- Natural lighting
First, let’s look at the light that does not need to be moved manually. These lights are in motion all the time. The definition of natural film lighting technology is the use of existing light. In most cases, a film will find a location surveyor before shooting, and then get site-related information, you also need to consider the daily shooting time on the location before shooting.
Summary of natural lighting:
Use reflectors or hoods to change the natural light.
Make sure you have done a location survey.
Consider the time spent on location each day.
- Main lighting
The main light is the main light source of the scene, it is the strongest and most direct light source. Generally speaking, the main light will illuminate the subject.
About the main light:
Avoid placing the main light in front of the camera, as this will make the light dim and uninteresting.
The main light behind the subject can be used to create a dramatic effect.
The main light is the main light in the three-point lighting.
- High-profile lighting
The definition of high-key lighting is a lighting method for movies, television or photography, which reduces the proportion of lighting in the scene. In the original film, high-key lighting was used to handle the contrast of the lighting, but now it is used by filmmakers to adjust the mood and tone of a scene.
About high-profile lighting:
Dominated by white tones under bright lights.
Minimize the use of black and mid-tones.
The color tone can be optimistic or hopeful.
Used for lighting of many popular music videos.
- Low-key lighting
The definition of low-key lighting is a cinematic lighting style that uses a hard light source to enclose the scene in shadows. Low-key lighting needs contrast and darkness.
Regarding low-key lighting:
Dark tones, including black and shadows.
The picture has a sharp contrast.
Used to show ominous and warning in black or thriller films.
- Supplemental lighting
The fill light fills in the shadows caused by the main light. The fill light is placed on the other side of the main light, usually not as strong as the main light.
About fill light:
Fill in the shadows caused by the main light.
It may be its characteristic that it does not produce shadows.
Three-point lighting:
The main light, backlight and fill light constitute three-point lighting. Three-point lighting is a standard lighting method commonly used in visual media. By using three separate positions, photographers can illuminate the subject in any way they want, while also controlling the shadows produced by direct lighting.
- Backlighting
Backlight refers to illuminating light from behind actors or objects. It is placed at a higher position than the object it illuminates. The backlight is used to separate objects or actors from the background, and the backlight gives the picture a three-dimensional effect.
Regarding backlighting:
The sun is a good backlight, you can use reflectors or reflect sunlight back to the subject with a smaller intensity.
If the backlight is placed behind the actor at an angle, the backlight is called “contour light”.
- Practical light source
What if you want to use a light source in a location? Consider things like lamps, candles, and even TV sets, which are usually referred to as practical light sources when used. Most of these equipment are added to the set by the set designer to help create the atmosphere.
About practical light sources:
Consider using multiple practical light sources to assist in illuminating the subject.
Count the number of available sockets in each location.
Ensure that the color temperature matches.
- Strong light
Strong light is a very strong light that is produced by a light source or a direct beam of sunlight. This kind of light produces sharp shadows and rough lines. You can use it to attract people’s attention anywhere in the picture, especially on the subject. It can also create silhouettes and highlights.
About strong light:
You can use a diffuser or hood to block it.
Any content in the screen will be highlighted.
Produces great shadows.
- Soft light
Soft light is not a strict definition of a light source. Soft light is an aesthetic that photographers use to eliminate shadows and reproduce the subtle light from external light sources.
About Soft Light:
It can be used as a fill light.
It can add youthfulness to a person’s face.
Gives a sense of illusion in reality.
- Reflected light
You can use a white board or white card to reflect the sun, lights or any lighting tools in the movie to highlight the subject in the picture in an indirect way. Using reflected light can produce a larger area and evenly distributed light. If used in the right way, the reflected light can also be used as soft light, fill light, top light, metering, and even backlight.
About reflected light:
It can be used in any type of movie lighting.
Produced by direct light and indirect reflection.
Highlight the subject through the reflection of light.
- Side light or chiaroscuro lighting
Just like its name, side light refers to the light that enters the frame from the side to highlight a person or object. It is often used to add drama and atmosphere to the scene.
Many people refer to side lighting as chiaroscuro lighting. In order to achieve a contrast between light and dark, a strong contrast and low tones are needed to emphasize the outline of the subject. If the side light is used to fill the scene, then it may be necessary to reflect light or use high-tone effects for processing.
About side light:
Used to highlight people or objects.
In the case of non-diffusion of light, strong shadows may be produced.
Can produce contrast effect.
- Simulated lighting
Assuming that no natural light can be found in the shooting scene, simulated lighting can be used at this time. Simulated lighting is a technology that imitates natural light sources. This means it can replace sunlight, moonlight, street lights, and even car headlights. You can use a hood or reflected light to make them more natural.
About simulated lighting:
Used to imitate natural elements.
It can be changed with any tool in the set.
- Ambient light
Unless you are shooting in a dark night or a built indoor scene, there will always be some sunlight, lights, or overhead light penetrating the picture. This kind of light is called ambient light. So you need to consider the light around the scene when shooting, especially when shooting outdoors or near windows.
As time changes, the ambient light will also change, so consider this when shooting a scene for a long time.
Regarding ambient light:
Be sure to take time into consideration when shooting.
The ambient light here refers to the light entering the picture.