Post 12: Workshop 2

An example of a "Hard" shadow.

For preparation for our short film we were asked to think about the quality of video production through technical elements such as lighting. We divided the sections into two main elements; direction and quality. Quality involved focusing on the intensity of the illumination for example hard lighting. Hard lighting is a direct light source creating bold shadows with crisp textures and edges.



"Soft" lighting shadows.

The second element to the quality of lighting includes soft lighting, this is indirect light which blurs contours and textures and there are softer contrasts and shadows between the light and shade.

The direction of light focuses on the specific light source and where it has been positioned in order to make the shot. For example how it bounces off the different surfaces after being positioned at either the front, back, side or above. Ultimately every light source has a point where it is at its brightest.

After defining the two varieties of the elements of light we watched Madonna’s Vogue music video. Whilst watching this we were able to identify the variety of light sources and how effective they were for the film video. Not only does the video use the Film Noir effect it also includes distinctive soft light sources where in which images have blurred contours and textures. This is most noticeably seen on the faces of characters, they appear to not have defined shapes or curves and a lot of the women’s clothing is unclear due to the softer light source illuminating the clothing.

Madonna's Vogue Video 

Whilst watching the video I noticed a clear example of hard lighting. From looking at the image above you can see the direct intensity of the light illuminating off of the diamonds on her back, furthermore creating a hard sense of lighting. Crisp textures and edges have been created due to the direct light source and bold dark shadows can be noticed underneath Madonna’s arm.

After analysing the different parts to lighting we were assigned the class to create images using both direction and quality of lighting. Due to having such a small class we worked as a class in creating the different images. Whilst doing so we had to allocate different job roles for everyone, this allowed everyone to have an equal part and ultimately we all worked towards us having an equal understanding of the variety of light elements by the end of the project. Before the filming took place we were given a range of equipment to use throughout our experiment and then were left to come up with our ideas on how we would create the variety of shots and how we would arrange our equipment.

The equipment we were given was:
• Mini DV camera
• Tripod
• Batteries
• Base plate
• Tape
• Laminated whiteboards and marker pens
• 1x lowel pro 250W lamp
• 1x stand
• Extension lead
• Barn doors
• Torch
• Black wrap and crock clips
• White materials and tin foil
• Safety gloves

Kelly & Charlotte Post 12 by MrsShipp100

The first video shows the range of light sources we experimented with and the affects it had upon the back ground and the characters faces etc. The second clip is a commentary of detailed descriptions regarding the different light sources used in the original video. Throughout our script we have analysed every shot individually and commented on the affect it has.

After analysing the different elements of lighting and defining the quality and direct aspects to lighting by understanding has improved dramatically. I now have a better understanding of the different effects of lighting and how it can change the films affect and tone easily. When it comes to creating our own short films it is important for us to consider the different light sources available and how they will in due course help convey different moods for the characters. The workshop has made me realise that during the planning for our short film we need to consider the lighting and how effective it will be. It is also important for us to remember and use the different types of equipment to manipulate the light. This includes using barn doors and light diffusers.