Lighting Tips for the Director of Photography

• The effective use of light is instrumental to setting and shooting a scene. Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images

  Commonly known as a cameraperson or videographer, a cinematographer operates a video camera and is responsible for the moving photography in a film. As the head of the photography department, one essential skill a director of photography must possess is an understanding of light and how to set up a shot in reference to it. A successful director must be able to light the same shot several different ways and do so quickly and efficiently to make each shot its best.

Consider the Media

• There is a vast difference between the lighting used for traditional media, whether it be film or television, and lighting for digital high definition media. Lighting is perhaps the most important element used to create the mood of a scene. With digital media, it is difficult to maintain highlights, midtones and lowlights; these must be considered to create the best overall shot. To prevent overblown highlights and muddy midtones, a director of photography can use a camera with a zebra pattern feature. When this feature is in use, any overexposed area will be highlighted with diagonal stripes through the viewfinder. Additionally, a correctly calibrated production monitor is essential. Since a light meter designed for film is less effective with digital media, a production monitor will allow an instant visual of what is being shot, allowing the cinematographer to decide if the light will set the right mood for the scene.

Filters

• Similar to standard photography, the use of filters can soften a video image and lessen the sharpness of digital shooting. Diffusion filters can be tricky, and are not recommended for features or other projects since they can have a cheapening effect on the film. Neutral density filters aid in reducing the amount of light that passes through the camera lens. This allows for the use of wider apertures in bright light, which results in shallow depth of field. This effect is often used in feature films and on television. A graduated filter is also useful for outdoor shots. The lens is part clear and part colored (lenses come in a variety of colors) with a blurry transition in between. This effect is especially useful in darkening a too-bright sky while leaving the rest of the shot bright.

Hazing

• Used primarily in feature films, smoke can enhance the depth of a shot. Additionally, the use of smoke adds texture and can make beams of light visible. These techniques are used to induce certain feelings in viewers and set a mood for the piece. The effect is more visually appealing than that evoked by filters and the degree of haziness can be adjusted as necessary. When used in digital media, smoke can soften some of the more unflattering effects and lines of high-definition cameras. Smoke machines are generally an inexpensive and effective way to manipulate the image as well as create atmosphere.