Types and Techniques of Studio Movie Lighting

1. The main light source for film shooting lights in studios

The main light is the primary light source that illuminates models and shapes characters in portrait photography. The main light determines the distribution of light and shadow in the overall image, and whether it is soft or hard, the main light has relatively strong directionality. The position of the main light determines the lighting effect of the photo. Therefore, the direction of the main light and even slight distance changes between the model and the light can affect the photo's effect and even have a overall impact on the lighting arrangement. In lighting set-up, the main light is the priority element, and auxiliary lights of film shooting lights should remain consistent with the main light. In most portrait photography, the main light usually comes from a softbox. Combining soft and hard light brings more even light and easier control.

2. Auxiliary lights for film shooting lights in studios

Auxiliary lights are used to supplement the light in the dark or shadow areas of the frame. Their presence can balance the light in the image and avoid excessive contrast. The brightness ratio is the ratio of the brightness of the main and auxiliary light sources. When the brightness of the auxiliary light source increases, the brightness ratio of the image decreases. To avoid confusing projections, auxiliary lights usually shine near the camera axis and have minimal differences in the angle of incidence to that of the main light. Soft lighting is usually used for auxiliary lights to ensure even light supplementation.

3. The role of film shooting lights in studios

The primary role of film shooting lights in studios is to focus on the subject, enhance the human body, or conceal flaws. Among them, contour light can better highlight the form of the person, usually projected from the opposite side of 150 to 170 degrees, creating a bright contour line at the edges of the person, such as hair, face, shoulders, and torso. The use of contour light and other types of lighting can more effectively highlight the character's image and also increase the artistic expression of the photo.

4. Background light for film shooting lights in studios

The background light is a light source specifically used to illuminate the background. Its function is to distinguish the shooting object from the background to better highlight the person and enhance the image's three-dimensional sense. Generally, background light is completed by one or more flashlights independently, only illuminating the background. The setting of background light for film shooting lights in studios can effectively adjust the brightness of the background. Soft or hard light can be selected for the background light according to the needs. Soft light is mainly used to create a pure and bright background, while hard light is mostly used to create trendy light spots on the background. To set up the background light, it is necessary to keep a certain distance between the shooting object and the background during lighting set-up. By creating background light, the subject's image can be better highlighted, the purity of the background can be improved, and the attractiveness of the image can be enhanced.

5. Light ratio for film shooting lights in studios

In studio portrait photography, portable led light panels, flashlights and reflectors are often used. Therefore, there is often a significant difference in the strength of light for bright and dark areas of the person. The ratio of the strength of light for bright and dark areas is called the light ratio, which can produce different effects in different situations. After lighting set-up is completed, the light ratio can be easily measured using a light meter for different areas of the model. When the light is weak, the image is more even and delicate, which is suitable for photographing female themes. When the light is strong, the person's three-dimensional sense is stronger, which is suitable for presenting male or specific female themes.