Lightning is an important element in cinema’s visual aesthetics. It creates an emotional impact. Contrast of light and dark influences the ways audience responses to the narrative. With deep shadows, it means that scene may reflect horror or some confusion in character’s personality whereas bright lighting may mean assurity in character’s personality and creates an impression that this subject can be trusted in the film.

Careful considerations should be made before shooting by cinematographers as to what kind of lightning equipment should be used. Black-white and color cinematographer each has its own perks but each of them uses different lighting techniques. One thing is for sure with black and white cinematography, the cinematographer only focuses on the brightness and shadows of subjects, whereas with colors, extra push is required with the white balance if the scene requires to be warm or a bit colder image. The angle of light is another aspect, by using mix of light sources in a scene also creates a dramatic effect to it.

In yesterday’s class we also learned some important terms regarding lightning. Back lightning, which means a light source coming from behind the character and its purpose it make a mysterious appearance of character. Key and fill lightning, which is the main light in a particular scene, while fill lightning is used to soften the harsh shadow effect.

While writing about the lightning, I’m thinking of creative ways to use what I learnt in class exercise for my film. Instead of using a huge tungsten light, I’ll be using dedo lightning. I have a small space so tungsten light won’t be useful. Although we didn’t experience dedo lighting, I think I can be expressive with these small equipments for my film project.