The Ultimate Guide To Unraveling Film Lighting Techniques

Previously, we were all about how film palettes created ‘moods’ for your films and give the plot and characters that extra depth of flavour.

Now, we’re going to reveal another secret to perfecting your film – lighting!

Filmmakers use all kinds of lighting techniques in their videos or movies. If you thought that natural or regular light sources were your only options, you’re not quite there yet.

From placement, size of the light source to additional tools to create light – there’s a lot more you need to know. Now, let’s go into the commonly used film lighting techniques and brush up your knowledge!

Source: https://imgur.com/gallery/zhp3BgA
Source: https://imgur.com/gallery/zhp3BgA
Source: https://imgur.com/gallery/zhp3BgA

Usually set up from a higher angle, the backlight hits the actor or object from behind.

It’s purpose? To separate either of them away from the background to give them more focus, shape and depth. Besides, it also helps in creating a three-dimensional scene – making it the main reason why its added last during the setup.

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/294422894386660673/

We know that intense look in his eyes does justice to the film, but adding a side light makes it twice better.

This technique is also known as Chiaroscuro lighting, where a strong contrast and low-key light are combined together to show the texture of the subject and puts them under the spotlight.

To maximise the dramatic look in the scene, its best to even go without a fill light or at the very least have the fill ratio brought down to 1:8.

Source: http://www.cinemasmack.com/in-theaters-review-lights-out/
Source: https://www.popelera.net/the-weeknd-videoclip-single-secrets/the-weeknd-secrets/
Source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1843866/mediaindex
Source: https://theawesomer.com/the-hateful-eight-roadshow/346301
Source: http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/legolas-greenleaf/images/38723983/title/hobbit-battle-five-armies-photo
Source: https://oddo4eva.wordpress.com/2014/12/20/maleficent-lighting-styles
Source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443680/mediaviewer/rm1841597696?ft0=name&fv0=nm0000093&ft1=image_type&fv1=still_frame
Source: https://www.businessinsider.sg/leonardo-dicaprios-new-movie-has-a-strange-graphic-scene-2015-12/?r=US&IR=T

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