f) Basics of Lighting Techniques

Introduction-
Proper film lighting techniques are essential in creating stylized and
natural-looking film scenes. Therefore, film sets always seem to be overly lit or
packed with many different light sources that serve different purposes. This
requires technical knowledge in cinematography, which means using the most
appropriate cinematic shots and film lighting techniques to get your message
across perfectly in each and every scene.
Different types of lighting techniques – There are different types of lighting
techniques needed for different scenes. Some of them are mentioned below,
i. Key Lighting- The key light is also known as the main film light of a scene or
subject. This means it’s normally the strongest type of light in each scene or
photo. Even if your lighting crew is going for a complicated multi-light setup,
the key light is usually the first to be set up.
When to use Key Lighting- Use key lighting when you want to draw
attention to a subject or make it stand out from the rest of the scene.
ii. Fill Lighting- As the name suggests, this technique is used to “fill in” and
remove the dark, shadowy areas that your key light creates. It is noticeably less
intense and placed in the opposite direction of the key light, so you can add
more dimension to your scene.
When to use Fill Lighting- Use fill lighting to counteract shadows, or to
bring up exposure and decrease the contrast in a scene. With fill light, your
viewer can see more of the scene clearly.

iii. Backlighting- Backlighting is used to create a three-dimensional scene,

which is why it is also the last to be added in a three-point lighting setup. This
also faces your subject—a little higher from behind to separate your subject
from the background.
 When to use Backlighting- Use backlight to accentuate the silhouette of
a subject, whether it’s a person or an object. Backlighting creates a halo effect
for increased impact.

iv. Side Lighting- Side lighting is for lighting up our scene from the side,
parallel to your subject. It is often used on its own or with just a faint fill light to
give your scene a dramatic mood. To really achieve this effect, your side light
should be strong to create strong contrast and low-key lighting that reveals the
texture and accentuates the contours of your subject.

When to use Back Lighting- Side lighting brings out the textures or
edges in a scene. Using side lighting creates a better sense of depth in a
location. It can make subjects seem farther off by accentuating the space

between them.

v. Practical Lighting- Practical lighting is the use of regular, working light

sources like lamps, candles, or even the TV. These are usually intentionally
added in by the set designer or lighting crew to create a cinematic night-time
scene. They may sometimes be used to also give off subtle lighting for your
subject.
When to use Practical Lighting- Use practical lighting when a
performer or subject needs to interact with a light source. For example, use a
bedside lamp that needs to function within the action of the scene.
vi. Bounce Lighting- Bounce lighting is about literally bouncing the light from
a strong light source towards your subject or scene using a reflector or any light-
coloured surface, such as walls and ceilings. Doing so creates a bigger area of
light that is more evenly spread out.
When to use Bounce Lighting- Bouncing light off the ceiling creates
more diffuse illumination and results in even, soft light. When you need more
ambient light across a whole environment, bounce light is a great choice.

vii. Soft Lighting- Soft light doesn’t refer to any lighting direction, but it’s a
technique nonetheless. Cinematographers make use of soft lighting (even when
creating directional lighting with the techniques above) for both aesthetic and
situational reasons: to reduce or eliminate harsh shadows, create drama,
replicate subtle lighting coming from outside, or all of the above.
 When to use Soft Lighting- Soft lighting is more flattering on human
subjects. The soft quality of the light minimizes the appearance of shadows,
wrinkles, and blemishes. Use soft lighting for beautification.
viii. Hard Lighting- Hard light can be sunlight or a strong light source. It’s
usually unwanted, but it certainly has cinematic benefits. You can create hard
lighting with direct sunlight or a small, powerful light source.
When to use Hard Lighting- Hard lighting emphasizes changes in
contour, shape, and texture. Use hard lighting to create a more intense look.

ix. High Key Lighting- High key refers to a style of lighting used to create a
very bright scene that’s visually shadowless, often close to overexposure.
Lighting ratios are ignored so all light sources would have pretty much the same
intensity. This technique is used in many movies, TV sitcoms, commercials, and
music videos today.
When to use High Key Lighting- Use high key lighting for dreamy
sequences, or situations that require overwhelming brightness.
x. Low Key Lighting- Being the opposite of high key, low key lighting for a
scene would mean a lot of shadows and possibly just one strong key light
source. The focus is on the use of shadows and how it creates mystery,
suspense, or drama for a scene and character instead of on the use of lighting,
which makes it great for horror and thriller films.
 When to use Low Key Lighting- Use low key lighting for moody scenes
that require a film noir look or for night-time scenes.