How to Determine Effective Lighting

Research and Set-up

• 1). Research your individual camera make and model`s capabilities when it comes to things like the preset contrast ratios that affect lighting.
  
  
• 2). Check to see if your lighting set-up adheres to the rules of three-point lighting. Make sure you have your key light, the primary source, positioned at a 45-degree angle from the invisible line connecting your camera to the subject, and that it is elevated vertically above the subject.
  
  
• 3). Make sure the fill light is 90 degrees to the side of the path connecting your key light to your subject, filling in the shadows caused by the key light.
  
  
• 4). Remove the fill light from the set-up to tell if it is positioned properly to fill in the shadow.
  
  
• 5). Make sure the backlight positioned behind the actor is appropriately separating the subject from the background.
  
  
• 6). Check the distance from the camera to the subjects to be sure light is proportionately reaching the actor. If there is a problem, adjust the camera placement.
  
  
• 7). If shooting in sunlight, make sure there are no deep shadows on the subjects and that they can be clearly seen. If not, shoot in defused sunlight in shade, earlier in the day or use a cloth diffuser to mellow the harsh sunlight
  
  

Evaluating the Set-up

• 1). Take a look at how the subject of your shot is lit. If there is lighting that seems to come from only one area, it will have the effect of "drowning" the actor.
  
  
• 2). Look for remaining shadows. Use a white foam core to reflect light onto the actor from an existing light source.
  
  
• 3). Check for extreme light or dark that requires repositioning of your three-light set-up.
  
  
• 4). See if your light is too bright or off-color, and consider using a translucent color gel to soften the impact.
  
  
• 5). Ask yourself if the lighting appropriately conveys the time of day in your story. If it does not, alter the angle and direction of the lights. Determine if the lighting aids or detracts from the mood or tone of the scene and project.
  
  

Double Checking

• 1). Use the camera`s viewfinder to get a better idea of how the light is affecting the scene. Although cameras can`t capture fully the range of brightness that a human eye can in the final product, this will give an idea of how close you are.
  
  
• 2). Review your assessment of the lighting with another key production personnel.
  
  
• 3). If your lighting still feels off, consider consulting an exposure meter or a video monitor to get the most accurate picture for determining effective lighting.