Digital SLR Video and Filmmaking For Dummies

8

BYOL: Bringing Your Own Light

In This Chapter

Mastering basic lighting techniques

Getting creative with light

Taking advantage of non-traditional light sources

Using accessories to manage illumination

From torches used at the dawn of civilization and gas lanterns of more than a century ago to filament-based bulbs of the 20th century and the changing colors of an LED light panel, the most basic function of light is to keep us from walking into things. But somewhere along the line, photographers and filmmakers realized that they could use light more creatively, much in the way a painter uses paint to set the mood and atmosphere.

But having the right light at sundown or buying a sophisticated light kit doesn’t guarantee success any more than buying a carton of milk guarantees it will automatically turn into a fine cheese. You have to not only have the right materials but know how to use them too. I don’t profess cheese-making as a specialty, but as for lighting a scene — well, ...