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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

​




Lesson

vp2-3. 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:
  • Front fill.
  • Flattering light.
  • A clean studio looks for narrations.
  • Dramatic looks for dramatic scenes.


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.
​

Practice

Make 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.

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