Cinematography is a significant part of film making and it is responsible for providing the view of the audience. A good cinematography helps to convey the right emotion, perspective and mood whereas a bad cinematography can make a film absolutely unwatchable. Remember that your cinematography should perfectly match the type of the film you are making. Therefore it’s not enough to switch on the camera and start capturing the scene. The professionals in photography spend several years in honing their crafts and developing their skills. However some of the simple principles can help any aspiring cinematographer to achieve his or her goal in life.
Exposure in cinematography refers to the time taken by the sensor for exposing to light. Moreover exposure is based on the amount of light coming through and the sensitiveness of the sensor to light. You have to maintain the correct exposure in photography. A wrong move can ruin your work. Furthermore an incorrect exposure can cause your photography to be either overexposed or underexposed. Overexposure takes place when the sensor of your camera is exposed to excess of light resulting in white images in photography. On the other hand underexposure takes place when your image cannot get enough of brightness and so it appears dark. Proper exposure of your image is based on your shutter speed, ISO and aperture size. Check these 3 components and keep exposure in photography.
The lighting techniques have been used in photography since the invention of the first motion picture camera. These techniques can accentuate beauty, establish time periods and can portray different moods like anxiety or suspense. The factors involved in these techniques comprise of 3 Point Lighting, High Key lighting, Low Key Lighting and the Filters. Let’s check out the top 4 lighting techniques in cinematography:
3 Point Illumination
3 lights making up the 3 point lighting techniques include the key, fill and the back lights. The key light establishes the lighting angle and it offers the majority of light on the subject. Fill light enhances the amount of light on the subject for controlling shadows. You have to use the black light in photography for providing depth of the sharpening lines. It helps to make a distinction between the subject and its background.
High Key Illumination
This creates the false impression of natural lights. In order to produce this effect, large bright lights are positioned strategically. These lights look like the giant lights in sports stadiums. This method is also used in exterior shots for producing an effect of sunlight.
Low Key Illumination
This light promotes the use of shadows for creating the darker look and feel to the scene. Small lights are designed directly at the subject for creating a dramatic look like a spotlight during a scene of interrogation. This can also be used for brightening up certain areas like a desk lamp in a dark room. This type of light is often used in horror films for creating a frightening look and feel.
Filters
Filters are available in various colours including red, yellow, blue and green. They are used for correcting a scene colour by absorbing some colours passing through them. Some of the lights like fluorescent make a visible colour when used in a film. A colour filter helps to get rid of the excess colour created by the lights. Some other filters include diffusers and fog filters that enhance the appearance as well as the mood of a scene.
These are the top 4 lighting techniques used in cinematography. You can use these techniques for creating your film. However you can always take the option of availing one of the best studios in the UK like Bloomsbury films. It is an independent studio with a reputation for creating the best biography and even films. Contact this renowned studio and capture your wedding memories, private celebration and individual stories in an unforgettable fashion.