Lighting

Today we experimented with lighting by using professional equipment: three film lights and some gels.

We learnt how to set up the lighting safely by propping them up on the stands and wearing gloves when handling the hot lights.

We experimented with different arrangements of the lights, and also created a backlight by placing one of the lights behind the subject. We had the subject stand in front of a black curtain and zoomed in the cameras so that the floor and ceiling was cut out, creating an entirely black background. We used the lighting to attempt to hide the curtain as a purely black backdrop. Also, while experimenting with the lighting, we ensured that we get rid of all of the shadows so keep the look professional. To do this, we moved the cameras to an angle around the subject that would cause the shadows to go out of frame in the cameras.

 Once we had arranged the lighting on the subject, we analysed the different outcomes we had in the two cameras. One camera was a Sony Z5 and is used for high-quality filming. The other camera was a Canon 550D and is used for high-quality photography. The Canon 550D produced the best results as photography is its main purpose. We were able to change the exposure on both cameras, however the Canon 550D still came out with the best results. During this task, we had to learn and get used to the differing functions of the two cameras and how to use them to our advantage. In this case, changing the exposure proved to be the most effective and made a big different in the photos.

We then used some gels on the lights to tint the lighting on the subject. This effect is used a lot in film-making and gives a specific tone/mood to the mise en scene. We had one blue, one orange and one red gel and we experimented with them by mixing-and-matching different colours together. 

Below are some of the results of our experimentation (taken on the Canon 550D):

House lights - the normal lighting of the room without the use of professional lighting.

All lights on with backlight - all three lights were used here to give a bright look and the backlight makes the image look more three-dimensional. 

All lights on without backlight - here we turned off the backlight to make the subject look more two-dimensional against the black background.

Backlight only - using just the backlight gave a very distinct, creepy feel by revealing just the outline of the subject, creating enigma in the image.