There are many types of lighting techniques used in film that impacts the way the characters and the setting are represented, and here are a few examples.

Backlighting, where the main source of light comes from behind the character. This can create a very mysterious mood. Commonly seen in horror films and detective/crime shows to enhance the use of shadows.

Cameo Lighting, also known as a spotlight. This is where only one light from above or highlights a single person. Which I’m sure most of you have seen in the intro to Mr Bean.

Natural Lighting. It’s a common technique that filmmakers use in order to be as realistic as possible. It is this particular lighting I wish to look deep into as it can come across in many ways as positive and negative depending on the structure of the film. The clip in my previous post from “Shawshank Redemption” is a great example of this natural lighting.