Lighting Research.

Lighting can contribute to narratives in many ways, such as creating atmosphere or contributing to characterisation.
Different terminology for types of lighting.

Key light. The main source of light in a scene.

Fill light. The secondary source of light in a scene, often used to reduce shadows.

High key lighting. A scene that is well lit with few shadows.

Low key lighting. A scene with little light resulting in shadows and darkness, often used in horror and film noir.

Backlight. A light positioned behind the subject, often casting them into darkness.

Rim light. A light positioned above and slightly behind the subject which helps to define the edge of the figure. Sometimes referred to as a hair light.

Hard light. A lighting source that casts harsh shadows.

Soft light. A diffuse, ambient light.

Chiaroscuro. Any shot that uses low key lighting, high contrast and shadows.

Three point lighting. The common use of a key, fill and backlight.

This video intrigued me as it lists lots of different types of lights that can be used to have different effects on the lighting of the scene and shot. It ranges from very soft lighting giving the frames a friendly, comforting feel to it to lower key lighting and lots of angular lighting giving the frames more of a dramatic atmosphere to the scene.

They also showed how to use different types of gels to create different coloured scenes and atmospheres. It also was interesting to see how these gels could be used to look like flashing lights out side from different environments e.g. from a hotel or club sign.

It contained useful tips that would be able to be recreated by most people, even with different equipment.