|
Lessons 1. Preproduction v vp1-0. Opening vp1-1. Five skills vp1-2. Writing vp1-3. Keeping track vp1-4. First impression vp1-5. Successful scouting vp1-6. Words of wisdom vp1-7. Conclusion 2. Production vp2-0. Opening vp2-1. Five production skills vp2-2. Pep talk vp2-3. Lighting vp2-4. Camera vp2-5. Sound vp2-6. Words of wisdom vp2-7. Closing 3. Postproduction vp3-0. Opening vp3-1. Five skills vp3-2. Editing vp3-3. Grading and graphics vp3-4. Sound vp3-5. Speaking vp3-6. Words of wisdom 4. Equipment 4-0. Opening 4-1. Camera 4-2. Tripod 4-3. Sound 4-4. Lighting 4-5. Editing 4-6. Packing 4-7. Closing |
Lessonvp2-3. Lighting
Introduction Good lighting shows the viewer that you are professional. Light guides the viewers’ eyes, so knowing how to manipulate light is crucial. In this section, we cover several lighting styles. What you will learn You will learn different looks using natural and artificial lighting. Natural light includes shooting at high noon, in the shade, using backlighting, at dusk, under hazy skies, and by the window. Artificial light includes:
Natural Light The priority is learning to use daylight. And the first rule is to get that sunlight facing the subject, not you. High Noon The lighting can be harsh and unflattering if the midday sun is overhead. There are several ways to deal with this. Shade Shoot subjects in the shade. Reflector Set up a reflector. This requires finesse. It’s easy to ruin the natural light look. Be sure to weigh down your stand. Otherwise, it will tip over. Diffuser Set up a diffuser. This not just reduces harshness but also adds softness. How to Avoid Midday Light Of course, another way to avoid midday light harshness is to avoid shooting at noon. Backlight One method to create a soft lighting effect is to place the light behind the subject. Keep Light Off Lens Keep the sunlight off the lens any way you can. Unless, of course, you want an image with lots of flair. Window light With window light, you can create the same looks used by painting masters throughout history. They studied light, and you can too. Haze Contrary to what most amateurs think, overcast or hazy light is ideal. You won’t have to deal with choppy and unflattering shadows. Artificial Light You will unlikely use lights outdoors because the sunlight is too bright. You will need much more light power than you can carry. This light packs 18,000 watts. Use portable lights in dimly lit places. Front Fill Even if there’s enough room light, you can improve the look by placing a small light directly in front of the subject. Famous 45 You can achieve a flattering sculptured look by placing the light off to the side at 45 degrees. The Late Night Look Place the light directly overhead the subject to create a dramatic, rugged look. TV news anchors look Use two lights on either side of the camera for good video news or narration light. Shadows should be very soft with lots of detail. Conclusion Lighting is what beautiful and dramatic images are all about. You saw a wide variety of lighting styles, each relatively easy to do. As you learn each one, think about how to use it in your movie-making. PracticeMake a 1:00-2:00 video of yourself in different lighting situations.
Example, near a reading lamp, by the window, kitchen light, porch light. The point is to study different kinds of lighting. You can also comment on which ones you like and don't like and explain why. |