Lighting Techniques in Film

Lighting technique that creates a bright scene without harsh shadows, often used in comedies and romances to create a cheerful atmosphere, showing details clearly and promoting comfort.

The main source of light in a scene, illuminating the subject and directing viewers' attention to important elements.

Lighting technique that creates scenes with strong shadows and high contrast, commonly used in dramatic or mysterious films to convey tension, anxiety, or mystery.

Light positioned opposite the key light, softening shadows and illuminating the subject more evenly.

Light source placed behind the subject, separating it from the background, creating depth and a three-dimensional effect.

Standard lighting setup using key light, backlight, and fill light to illuminate the subject in different ways and control shadows.

Light from natural sources like the sun or sky, considered essential in film for realism and reflecting environmental aesthetics.

Lighting techniques enhance visual storytelling by highlighting characters, setting the mood, indicating time and place, and directing the viewers' attention.

Light sources used within a location, like lamps, candles, or TVs, integrated into the set design.

Creates sharp shadows and harsh lines, highlighting elements in the frame. Good for silhouettes, highlights, and drawing attention to specific areas.

Softens shadows, creates subtle light transitions, and adds a youthful look. Can mimic natural light from sources like a window.

Created by bouncing light off a surface, creating a wider, softer light source. Good for filling shadows or creating a softer overall look.

Light from the side, creating contrast and depth. Can highlight a subject and produce strong shadows if not softened.

Mimics natural light sources like the sun or moon, often used to create realistic and immersive settings.

The light naturally in a location, often from windows or open doors. Can add realism or be used to create mood.

Existing light present in a scene, including ambient light from natural sources or artificial lights, which needs to be considered when filming to set the mood.

The type of ambient light that originates from the sun and sky, naturally filtering through windows or doorways.

Light from sources like candles, fireplaces, or even moonlight, which are naturally present indoors.

All kinds of artificial light sources found in homes and spaces, including ceiling lights, lamps, and neon signs.

A lighting fixture that directly exposes the subject to the bulb's light without filters, creating hard shadows and a high-contrast look.

A specialized lens that creates even light and allows for adjusting the beam's focus from wide to narrow, allowing for precise control over lighting.

A measure of a light source's ability to reveal the true colors of objects under its illumination. The higher the CRI, the closer it is to natural light.

Describes the 'color' of white light emitted by a light source. Measured in degrees Kelvin, it varies from warm (yellowish) to cool (bluish) light.

Incandescent bulbs with a halogen cycle, commonly used in homes and offices. They produce a warm, yellowish light and are often used to mimic daylight.

Lighting technique that aims to create a realistic scene by using lights that match the light sources present in the filmed location. It often involves using tungsten lights for interiors or daylight for outdoor scenes.

The main light source in a scene, illuminating the subject and guiding the viewer's attention.

The distance from the lens to the camera's image sensor, usually measured in millimeters.

A lens with a fixed focal length, meaning you cannot zoom in or out. You need to physically move closer or further away from the subject.

A lens with a variable focal length, allowing you to zoom in and out without physically moving.

The area that appears sharp in an image, influenced by factors like aperture, lens, and focal length.

The apparent size of objects in a photograph, influenced by focal length. A wider lens makes objects look smaller, while a telephoto lens makes objects appear larger.

The angle of view captured by a lens, with wider angles capturing more of a scene.

A lens that captures a wide field of view, often used for landscapes or architecture.

A lens designed for close-up photography, magnifying small objects.