Lighting

A camera does not adjust to light the way our eyes do. Our eyes are able to glance around and dynamically adjust based on subject matter. When we view an object/person/place what we actually see is our mind's reconstruction of what we are looking at based on input provided by our eyes and not the actual light received by our eyes. A camera however replicates exactly what it sees. In many cases the lighting could look perfectly fine to the naked eye but when filming it could go dreadfully wrong. For example there could be too many shadows as a result of the subject blocking the light source. Perfect lighting is key in films as Every lighting set-up can provide a specific mood, emotion, atmosphere, and aesthetics to the overall viewing experience. Without light, it would not be possible to see anything, making it impossible to shoot a film.

Standard Lighting Setup

The Key Light




The key light is the brightest and most influential especially when used as the only light source as it shows volume. This technique of lighting forms shadows as the light is placed above and to the left.

The Back Light



The back light is used to help counteract the effect of the key light and it creates an outline/silhouette.

The Filler Light


The filler light assists with the softening of harsh shadows that the use of key and back lights create.


Under lighting



Underlighting is used when the main light source comes from beneath the subject. This lighting is particularity used in films of the thriller and horror genre.

Top Lighting



Top lighting is when the main light source comes from above the subject; the exact opposite of under lighting. This type of lighting highlights features and is particularly favored as it creates a glamorous look.

Back Lighting



Back lighting is when the light source comes from behind the subject. If this is the only light source used silhouettes are created.

Low key lighting



low key lighting is created by using only the key and back lights. This produces a sharp contrast of light and dark areas as very deep,distinct shadows are formed. A good example of how this is used is in the film Nosferatu (1922).

High Key Lighting

High key lighting uses more filler lights which makes the lighting appear more realistic.