Film lighting: why the moon landing could not have been fake + reflection

There has been much debate among conspiracy theorist regarding the moon program of the 60s and late 70s. Amongst those who claim it was fake, the Idea that the moonwalk footage was shot an a lit soundstage in Hollywood is a favourite.

However, as the clip below explains, the studio lighting of the time did not have the ability to create the extremely hard light found on the surface of the moon and in the footage of the moonwalk. This topic brings to light some intriguing points in respect to film light.

 

These concepts relate to the exercises we undertook this week. The exploration of hard and soft light was a key parameter within our class exercises.

 

These types of lighting are of course, synthesised on demand for actual film work. The use of artificial light in this way seeks to create an effect within characterisation and narrative devices. For example; a character can be seen as more dainty and delicate or inconsequential if they are lit with soft and diffused light. This is because such light is devoid of characterful contrast and definition and simply seeks to flatter skin tones and facial features.

Inversely, hard light can be used to create a more contrast-y and defined look, lending itself to more motivated use.

 

However, in the construction of a well-lit scene in film, both hard (key) and soft (fill) lighting are used together.