Lighting

Lighting, like everything else in film, affects emotion and can either add or detract from the story you are trying to tell. Here are some tips and things to keep in mind:

Be resourceful!

How can you use existing light sources to light your scene?Can you open a curtain, use a bounce-board, get innovative with a lamp, or otherwise use what’s around you?How can you turn your shot so that your characters are well-lit?

Light can be bad too!

If the light source behind you is too bright, you may be back-lighting and your film will have bad exposure. Try not to stand in front of bright windows unless you are intentionally trying to silhouette something or someone.NOTE: Too much sun can cause shadows or force your subject to squint.

Light has color!

• Different light sources have different color temperatures and create different hues on-screen.

• Here’s a handy image for reference.