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Lighting 101?

Noob Questions

Last Post by NanoStray675 15 years ago

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jumi1174

(@jumi1174)

Posts: 18

Eminent Member

Topic starter

What are some good online resources to learn the basics (and more complex stuff eventually) about lighting a scene?

I'm not going to have money to hire anyone, so lighting is going to be a job I'll additionally have to take on. Problem is, I don't know anything about lighting...

Thanks in advance.

Posted : 16/06/2010 8:57 pm

bjdzyak

(@bjdzyak)

Posts: 587

Honorable Member

quote:

Originally posted by jumi1174

What are some good online resources to learn the basics (and more complex stuff eventually) about lighting a scene?

I'm not going to have money to hire anyone, so lighting is going to be a job I'll additionally have to take on. Problem is, I don't know anything about lighting...

Thanks in advance.

Well, the process begins by understanding the basics of photography. Knowing how film (or digital) "captures" light is necessary FIRST so that you can use the proper lighting units in terms of quantity (amount of light) and quality (what it looks like).

Ultimately, there is only so much you can learn from a book (or other printed resource) so going out and "doing it" and making mistakes is how all of us learn. What this means is that ideally, you will practice and do tests BEFORE you set out to shoot your movie.

I suggest a couple of things. First, head over to www.cinematography.com and read everything you can. Also, watching someone experienced work on a real set, even for a day, will go really really far. To get that opportunity, find a local production company or camera rental house nearby and go visit them. Tell someone there that you really wish to learn how to light and ask if you can volunteer for a while to help one of their Cameramen on their shoots. You might get a bunch of "no's" but all you need is one "yes."

Along the line, also peruse the resources and forums at http://www.cinematography.net

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com