Lighting and Scenery 101

Purpose of Lighting

1. Reveal basic shape of the person/object2. Lighten or darken shadows3. Show where the object is relative to the

background4. Give some sparkle to person or object

Types of Light

Directional – has a precise beam and harsh shadows

Diffused – spreads out over a large area and has no clearly defined shadows

Shadows

Shadows

Shadows

Shadows are needed to give an object shape and texture.

Color Temperature

Indoor = 3200 K vs. Outdoor=5600K

Lighting Instruments

Spotlights• Fresnel is the main

spotlight used• Extremely directional• Fast falloff causing

harsher shadows• Most often used as

key light

Lighting Instruments

Flood Light• The top image is an

example of a scoop• Not at all directional• Very slow falloff rate

making soft shadows• Most often used as fill

light

Lighting Instruments

Ellipsoidal• Spotlight used for

special effects• Can be used with

cookies/gobos• Very directional

Lighting Instruments

Cyc Light• Diffused light used to

light backdrops

3-Point Lighting

*Studio lighting standard

Three Components1.Key2.Fill

3.Back

3-Point Lighting

Key Light• Main/most

powerful light

3-Point Lighting

Fill Light• Takes away too

much shadow

3-Point Lighting

Back Light• Separates talent

from background

3-Point Lighting

3-Point Lighting

3-Point Lighting

Things to Remember!!!

• Scout ahead– Determine lighting requirements for a location before the

shooting date• Be prepared

– It’s helpful to have gaffers tape, reflectors, gloves and clothespins• Don’t overload circuits

– Don’t plug more than 1000 watts into a single circuit• Don’t waste lamp life

– Preserve energy and lamp life by turning them off when they are not being used

• Secure light stands– Use sandbags

• Watch out for cords• Be time conscious