LO2: Lighting

 LO2: Lighting

Three Point lighting:

Three point lighting is made up of three components: Key Light, Fill Light and Hair Light.

Key Light:

This is the brightest light that is used. It casts the most light onto the subject. This light could be used on its own and would create shadows and an element of darkness around the subject creating a 'dramatic' effect/ look.

Fill Light: 

This is a light that is often placed further away from the subject or would be 'more dim' than the key light and eliminates the shadows that are caused by only having a key light on. It softens the lighting onto the subject and creates an even light across the entire subject. It is softer than the key light and in turn compliments it well. 

Hair Light:

This light goes above the subject and slightly behind them. It is then angled in a way that will cast light onto their head and brighten up the subject. When this is added with the other two points of lighting it creates an even light across the subject and the hair light adds an additional layer that makes the subject stand out. It is important to make sure that the light isn't being directed into the camera as it will create a lens flair which could ruin your shot.

Additionally to three point lighting you can use lights to brighten up the background as well meaning the subject and the background will all be well lit. 

Set Up:

Key Light:

Fill Light:

Hair Light:

Chiaroscuro Lighting:

Chiaroscuro is the blend between light and dark elements in a scene also known as high contrast lighting (having light and dark elements contrasting each other). This effect is used very commonly in horror films to make the audience feel uneasy. 

Soft boxes:

Soft boxes are used in lighting to 'soften' the light on the subject. They are a fabric box that attaches to the light. The light still passes through however it isn't as 'harsh' and casts a smoother light over the subject. Soft boxes are often used a fill lights to help create smooth and even lighting across the subject when mixed with a key and hair light. They can be used as key lights as well however that is less common. This is because the key light is usually the brightest and 'harshest' light source in a three-point lighting setup.