Today we reviewed our footage shot from exercise two showcasing a shallow and deep depth of field, we also viewed some scenes from Clockwork Orange and Lucky Man. Upon watching the scenes from the two films, I realised that I began noticing and analysing the lighting in the scenes, as well as the depth of field created in the shot and trying to figure out how they would achieve the shot. Up until now I’ve never really thought about this, so analytically I feel like I’m absorbing what I’m learning in class and applying it to film scenes, and clips etc.

Another concept I learnt about today that I have never previously understood is the use of the zebra stripes in a video camera and how they contribute to creating a shot. In the past I’ve used cameras that have had these zebra stripes set up but have either ignored it, or just ran with it because I didn’t understand their use or how they worked (or really how to remove them.) I now understand that the zebra stripes are there to measure luminance within a shot, and using them can be extremely useful in getting the correct exposure which is crucial in trying to create an aesthetic that you’re trying to achieve.

I also am now understanding the importance of finding a location to suit the needs of your shot, and whatever is in frame will greatly influence your exposure, framing, lighting etc. All these small elements add up to the much bigger picture of creating the aesthetic you’re after, all of which I’ve never really considered before, which now seems crazy. I really hope I continue to expand thinking critically about lighting and its importance in creating the shot I want especially going into future projects.