LO2: Lighting Effects & Set-Up

Three Point Lighting

Three Point Lighting consists of a Key light, a Fill light, and a Back light. Each light shines from a different angle with the intention of highlighting different parts the subject. The Key light shines directly on the subject with the strength, colour, and angle of the Key determining the overall lighting design. When filming in outdoor spaces, the sun is often used as the Key. The Fill light shines on the subject from a side angle and is often placed in a lower position to that of the Key. It balances the lighting by illuminating shaded surfaces, lessening or eliminating the effects of Chiaroscuro. A piece of white card can be used as a Fill by reflecting light from the Key. If a stark contrast is desired, it's recommended to leave out the Fill. The Back light shines on the subject from behind, giving the subject a rim of light separating them from the background. As the Back light distinguishes the subject from the background, not using one may impose connotations of mystery and darkness as the audience has a harder time connecting with the character. Moreover, if a director wants the audience to connect with a character, the use of Three Point Lighting can be effective as the increased visibility makes the audience more likely to engage with them due to their strong visibility holding connotations of openness and trust.

Chiaroscuro

Chiaroscuro creates a strong, bold contrast between light and dark that usually affects the overall composition. The technique is used to give three-dimensional qualities to an image on a two-dimensional plane. Chiaroscuro was popularised in the 1940s and is often used in Horror, Drama, and Film Noir genres. The lighting is often used to convey emotion in film with the interplay of light and shadow representing the inner turmoil or moral ambiguity of a character. By using Chiaroscuro, filmmakers are able to engage audiences more effectively, drawing them deeper into the story. In Film Noir, a style synonymous with crime and mystery, Chiaroscuro is used to portray the moral ambiguity of a character. In Horror, the technique is used to amplify tension and create terrifying visuals; the shadows prey on the human fear of the unknown by implying there is something hiding within them. In Drama, Chiaroscuro is often used to accentuate pivotal moments and heighten the emotions of a scene.

Soft Box

Soft Box lighting achieves its gentleness by diffusing the light through a screen. The inside of a soft box is lined with aluminium foil, or another alternative, to efficiently reflect the light from the bulb. By diffusing the light it gives the subject a more natural look. This can make a character appear more trustworthy as they come across as more relatable due to their normal composition. Soft Boxes are often used in documentaries, specifically during interviews, as the intention of the genre is to inform others about a certain topic, not necessarily to entertain. This means the use of Soft Boxes minimises the cinematic style of other genres. By doing this, the documentary appears more factual and trustworthy as the style synonymous with fiction is sparsely used.