LIGHTING TIPS

 

Rembrant Lighting: More flattering lighting, 45 degree angle to the side of the person, with diffusion and an eyelight to give the ‘spark’ in the eye.

 

Without the eyelight (and with the lighting higher) you cant see the eyes and reduces the connection between the audience and that character, meaning you empathise with them less.

 

Bare in mind the motivation of your light, what the light source is and you can work from that to create more verisimilitude, especially if you have a practical (light source that can be seen in the frame). It is also important to carry through the practical light sources if they are shown in one shot but then not in another at the same location. For example if there is a window in the establishing shot, then close ups of the actor in that room should follow that light pattern for continuity.

 

Start with the key light (main light source) and work off of that with the other light sources you add in, or diffusors etc.

 

Think about what you want to draw the attention to, darken the background to raise focus on your actor or prop.

 

Think of key light to fill light ratio, less fill light can give a more dramatic look or change the atmosphere.