3 Point Lighting

3 Point Lighting

Three point lighting is the standard method used in the visual media's. These include video, film, still photography and computer generated imagery.

By using three different positions, the subject can be illuminated however strongly the photographer wants, whilst also being able to control the shading and shadows produced by direct lighting.

Key Light

The key light shines directly upon the subject and serves as the principle illuminator. The shot's colour, strength and angle/placement of the key determines the shot's overall lighting design. In indoor shots the key is usually a specialised lamp, or a camera flash. During out door shoots, it is commonly the sun that takes the role of key light. However in this situation the photographer cannot control the position of the light, instead having to rearrange the set to best capture the light.

Fill Light

The fill light, like the key light, shines on the subject, but from a side angle relative to the key and is often placed at a lower position than it. The level of the subject's face is usually preferred.

It balances the key by illuminating shaded surfaces, and lessening or eliminating chiaroscuro effects, such as the shadow cast by a person's nose upon the rest of the face. It is usually softer and less bright than the key light (up to half), and more to a flood. Not using a fill at all can result in stark contrasts (due to shadows) across the subject's surface, depending upon the key light's harshness. Sometimes, as in low-key lighting, this is a deliberate effect, but shots intended to look more natural and less stylistic require a fill. In some situations a photographer can use a reflector (such as a piece of white cardstock mounted off-camera, or even a white-painted wall) as a fill light instead of an actual lamp. Reflecting and redirecting the key light's rays back upon the subject from a different angle can cause a softer, subtler effect than using another lamp.
The Back Light
The back light (a.k.a. the rim, hair, or shoulder light) shines on the subject from behind, often (but not necessarily) to one side or the other. It gives the subject a rim of light, serving to separate the subject from the background and highlighting contours.Back light or rim light is different from a kick in that a kick (or kicker) contributes to a portion of the shading on the visible surface of the subject, while a rim light only creates a thin outline around the subject without necessarily hitting the front (visible) surface of the subject at all.

Opening two minutes of a feature film

Character
American Beauty-Lester- middle aged man living in a mundane suburban environment, as indicated by himself, his highlight of his day is 'jerking off' in the shower. At the age of 42 years old, his life is not getting any better, his wife has changed from the woman he married to a controlling business woman who is the primary leader in the relationship. His daughter Jane is seen to be studying 'breast augmentation', a process which after she believes will become a better liked person, a sense of teenage confusion is ripe with the character, something we can all relate to at some points in our lives. Lester seems to be going through a midlife crisis, the reality of living in a routine based, mundane environment has hit him hard. 


Jerry Maguire- Jerry- confidence is ripe with his character as indicated by his explanation of how America is the centre of the world, his clothing suggests he is a well respected business man. He explains to the audience through narration how he takes around '242' phone calls a day from his 72 clients. Being a sports agent high up in a huge company reflects on his personality. Around sporting athletes he is seen to be praising them, almost begging them to sign to him, a position that he takes incredibly serious, promising a client that he will be 'playing his own video game';


Comparison- The two characters are at almost complete opposites, Jerry is an enthusiastic sports agent, passionate about his work, and seems to be like a happy person overall, whereas Lester seems to living on a thread, incredibly unhappy about his present situation. Although it is not revealed at present the extent of Jerry's happiness could got to an extent and be revealed to be made up, a facade.


Ken- The landlord of 'The Grapes', from the opening, he performs a medley of songs revealing himself to be a jolly and happy man, even when he is cleaning the bathroom. Ken is refilling the expensive and well known brand of brandy with a cheaper version, possibly revealing he's a bit of a cheat and likes to cut corners. He seems to be a very open man and enjoys his profession. As a character, Ken is the ideal British bartender. 


Opening Sequences
London to Brighton- a hard hitting beginning with shaky camera movements with a grimy backdrop of a bathroom grabs the audiences interests straight away. The main characters are introduced, one washing her face, it seems they she has been struck or abused in some way. The other character may be her daughter, yet it is not revealed it seems with her providing nature and willingness to do anything for her, she almost definite she is. The mother character has a plan to get away from wherever they are, the daughter character reveals to the audience that money is involved, in which the mother character further reveals that 'he won't find us'. This suggests there is some sort of money issues. 


The Graduate- The introduction seems to be calm, perhaps reflecting his mundane life. As the title suggests the main character is returning home after graduating. The continuous dolly shot shot on the conveyor belt slowly reveals the films credits, with no action in the frame our views are completely left focused on the credits. His clothing style suggests a well respected man who wont make much of, even any commotion. 


Napoleon Dynamite- The title credits are very original, the way of introducing the producers, actors etc, is unique and the audience then gives the film full attention to them. From the items we used we can tell the sort of character Napoleon may be, library books such as 'Bigfoot and Me' reveal him to be geek interested in myths and legends.


Possible choices-
Trainspotting
Napolean Dynamite
Zack and Miri make a porno.
Stand By Me.

hi, my name is ry.

Today in Media Studies I learnt that through even simple designs and effects, such as costume desings and position of the camera, can widely alter the audiences perception. I also learnt the true meaning of 'Mise En Scene', the translation- 'what makes up the frame'.

media test