P5/P6- Apply cinematic lighting techniques for the scenes and locations

 Rushes of lighting

Three point lighting:

Three-point lighting is a common technique used in cinematography and photography that involves the use of three different light sources to illuminate a subject or scene. The three lights are called the key light, the fill light, and the backlight. Each light has a specific purpose and placement, and together they can create a wide range of lighting effects.

The key light is the primary light source and is positioned to the side of the subject, usually at a 45-degree angle. This light provides the main source of illumination and helps define the shape and form of the subject. The key light can be adjusted to be more or less intense, and its angle can be adjusted to create different shadows and highlights. The fill light is placed on the opposite side of the key light, also at a 45-degree angle. The purpose of the fill light is to soften the shadows created by the key light, making the overall lighting more balanced and even. The fill light is typically less intense than the key light and can be adjusted to create different levels of fill. The backlight is positioned behind the subject, facing toward the camera. The purpose of the backlight is to create separation between the subject and the background, creating a sense of depth and dimension in the image. The backlight can also create a rim of light around the subject, helping to define their shape and form.

Together, these three lights can create a wide range of lighting effects that can be used to support the narrative and emotional impact of a scene. For example, a low-key lighting setup with a strong key light and dim fill light and backlight can create a sense of tension and suspense, while a high-key lighting setup with all three lights evenly balanced can create a sense of joy or excitement.

Three-point lighting is a versatile and widely used technique in cinematography and photography. By understanding how to position and adjust each of the lights, filmmakers and photographers can create a range of lighting effects that can help support the overall narrative and emotional impact of the scene.

Two-point lighting:

Two-point lighting is a cinematography technique that involves using two sources of light to illuminate a subject or scene. This technique is often used in filmmaking and photography to create a sense of depth, texture, and drama in the image. By positioning two lights at different angles, filmmakers can create a range of lighting effects that can help support the narrative and enhance the emotional impact of the scene. This can make the scene feel more immersive and lifelike, and help draw the viewer's eye to key elements within the frame.

Two-point lighting can also be used to create a sense of drama and tension in a scene. By positioning one light to the side of the subject and another light behind the subject, filmmakers can create a sense of contrast and depth that can help create a mood or atmosphere. This can be especially effective in dramatic or suspenseful scenes, where the use of lighting can heighten the sense of danger or tension.

Another benefit of two-point lighting is that it can be used to create a sense of balance and symmetry in a scene. By positioning one light to the left of the subject and another light to the right of the subject, filmmakers can create a sense of harmony and balance in the image. This can help create a sense of order and stability, and can be especially effective in scenes where the characters are working together or in harmony.

Overall, two-point lighting is a powerful tool in cinematography that can be used to create a range of lighting effects, add depth and texture to a scene, create a sense of balance and symmetry, and highlight or de-emphasize certain elements within the frame. By understanding the principles of two-point lighting and how to position and manipulate light sources, filmmakers can create more visually compelling and emotionally engaging images that enhance the overall narrative of the film.

Chiaroscuro:

Chiaroscuro is a dramatic use of light and shadow. In cinematography, chiaroscuro is used to create a sense of depth, texture, and drama in a scene. By manipulating the contrast between light and shadow, filmmakers can create a range of moods and emotions that help support the narrative One of the primary uses of chiaroscuro in cinematography is to create a sense of depth and texture in a scene. By casting deep, dark shadows alongside bright highlights, filmmakers can create a sense of three-dimensionality and depth in the image. This can make the scene feel more immersive and lifelike, and help draw the viewer's eye to key elements within the frame.

Chiaroscuro can also be used to create a sense of drama and tension in a scene. By using strong, directional lighting to cast deep shadows and create contrast, filmmakers can create a sense of mystery or foreboding. This can be especially effective in horror or thriller films, where the use of light and shadow can heighten the sense of danger or suspense.

Another benefit of chiaroscuro in cinematography is that it can be used to highlight or de-emphasize certain elements within the frame. By casting a bright spotlight on a particular character or object, for example, filmmakers can draw the viewer's attention to that element and create a sense of importance or significance. Conversely, by casting deep shadows on other elements within the frame, filmmakers can de-emphasize or obscure them, creating a more focused and streamlined image.

Finally, chiaroscuro can be used to create a sense of mood and atmosphere in a scene. By manipulating the intensity and direction of the light, filmmakers can create a range of emotional responses in the viewer. For example, a warm, golden light might evoke a sense of comfort or nostalgia, while a cool, blue light might suggest a sense of detachment or sadness. Chiaroscuro is a powerful tool in cinematography that can be used to create a range of moods and emotions, highlight or de-emphasize certain elements within the frame, and add depth and texture to a scene. By understanding the principles of chiaroscuro and how to manipulate light and shadow, filmmakers can create more visually compelling and emotionally engaging images that enhance the overall narrative of the film.

Bounce lighting:

Bounce lighting is a technique that involves reflecting light off of surfaces to direct onto the subject. This technique is commonly used in photography and film  as it is used to soften hard shadows and create light that appears natural as well as adding depth. 

One of the primary uses of bounce lighting is to create a more flattering and natural-looking source of light. By bouncing light off a white surface such as a ceiling, wall or backdrop the light becomes diffused and more even. This softens shadows and minimizes unflattering or distracting shadows on the subject's face or body.

Another benefit of bounce lighting is that it can create a source of light that matches the environment. When light is bounced off a surface, it takes on the color and quality of that surface. For example, if the surface is warm-toned, such as a wooden wall or ceiling, the light will have a warm yellow hue. This can help create a sense of realism.

Bounce lighting can also be used to create depth and dimension in a scene. By reflecting light onto the subject from different angles and directions, filmmakers can create subtle highlights and shadows that add texture and visual interest to the image. This can also help create a sense of three-dimensionality and depth, making the image more visually compelling.

In addition, bounce lighting can be used to add a subtle fill light to a scene. A fill light is a low-intensity light that helps balance out the shadows created by the key light. By bouncing light onto the subject from a neutral-colored surface, filmmakers can create a subtle fill light that adds depth and dimension to the image without being distracting or overpowering.

Finally, bounce lighting is an essential technique in cinematography that can help create a natural-looking source of light, soften harsh shadows, add depth and dimension to a scene, and create a subtle fill light. By understanding the power of bounce lighting, filmmakers can create more visually compelling and engaging images that enhance the overall narrative and emotional impact of the film.

Ambient light:

Ambient lighting the illumination in a specific space. It is used in cinematography to set the mood and tone of a scene, and can greatly impact the viewer's emotional response to a film. The use of ambient lighting is an important tool for filmmakers as it narrative and enhances the audience's experience.

One way ambient lighting is used in cinematography is to establish the time of day or location. For example, a low-level, warm light can suggest a sunset, while a cooler, blue-toned light can evoke the feeling of moonlight. The ambient lighting can also create a sense of place, such as a dimly-lit alleyway or a bright, sterile hospital room.

Ambient lighting can also be used to emphasize or de-emphasize certain elements within the frame. Filmmakers can use light to draw the viewer's attention to a particular character or object, or to create depth and texture within the frame. By manipulating the ambient lighting, a filmmaker can create a sense of drama or tension in a scene, or create a peaceful, meditative atmosphere.

Another important aspect of ambient lighting in cinematography is the use of colour. Colour can have a profound effect on the viewer's emotional response to a scene. By using warm colors like red or orange, filmmakers can create a sense of warmth, intimacy, or passion. Cool colours like blue or green can create a sense of detachment or sadness. By carefully selecting the color and intensity of the ambient lighting, filmmakers can create a powerful emotional impact on the audience.

Overall, ambient lighting is an essential tool for filmmakers to create a visual language that supports the narrative and enhances the viewer's experience. It can be used to establish time and place, emphasize or de-emphasize certain elements within the frame, and create a sense of mood and emotion. By understanding the power of ambient lighting, filmmakers can elevate their storytelling and create a more engaging and memorable film.

Rushes:

For our filming, we used two-point lighting to minimise shadows behind the subject. By using a key light we had a light that would highlight the subject, and a fill light that fills the background with colour. The use of this lighting technique adds depth and the key light was adjusted to add or remove shadows and highlights. We also used chiaroscuro lighting during the intro sequence, which added drama and tension to the scene by casting shadows on the subject and the background.

When creating my track, I opted for a multitrack format to modify my tracks, which gives me the ability to observe and evaluate the distinct sounds in relation to one another, enabling the creation and editing of multiple audio tracks at the same time. In addition to various tools and features, such as automation, clip gain, and spectral editing, the multitrack format in Audition has many capabilities for audio editing and production. It offers a flexible means of producing intricate audio compositions.

Camera settings:

What settings did I use?

 I used an ISO of around 800, which allowed for filming fast moving subjects in low or harsh light. Also I used an aperture of around 4.5, which means we had a deep depth of field and had the background colours perfectly in focus.

What cameras/lenses?:

We used a Canon R5, which is a mirrorless camera. It is better for videography as it is powerful and has high-resolution video capable of 8K, has an advanced autofocus that works well in low light, has built in stabilisation that compensates for camera shake during the handheld shooting.

The main thing about the Canon R5 is its highly regarded facial tracking. It can detect and track human faces ensuring that the subjects remain in focus even as they move within the frame. The R5 also has real time eye detection, which can be tracked throughout the recording process.

The reason the face tracking was beneficial for me was because I could compose my shots more creatively without worrying that the subject was going to go out of focus. Also, you can adjust specific aspects such as tracking speed and subject switching.

Use rushes to explain choices:

In this video from my rushes I used the face and eye tracking to ensure I stayed in focus throughout the entire shot as I moved around the floor.

I didn't use any specific lenses however I didn't need it because the kit lens with the camera is very high quality and captures the subject perfectly. It captures light well in both high and low light conditions.

Use a different scene/location and explain how the camera settings were changed to get the intended effect.

After the first shoot, we made the decision to reshoot again with different lighting, using a key and fill light.

Here are the rushes of the second shoot:

Lighting:

The lighting in this shot is 2 point as we used a fill light on the subject and the key light to light the background with a fading colour light. This made the lighting look very professional and industry standard.

We did not use natural sun lighting as we filmed in a dark big studio-like area. We did not need natural light because the light from the big lights was bright and professional.

We used a strobe lighting effect which flickered and was synchronised with the lyrics, which we studied from the lyrics to visual annotations. The flashing was created using one lowkey light to create a near-chiaroscuro effect.