How and Why Lighting Affects Camera Techniques for Moving Image

To give your videos a sense of time and place or to give the video a mood or feeling, you can use and experiment with different lighting techniques. This can help to communicate a story or narrative. For example, to create an eerie atmosphere, use low key lighting as this is most commonly used in horror films to create tension. On the other hand, using high key lighting can create a happy feeling or atmosphere. The cinematographer needs to be aware of the lighting they use to set a mood or portray a narrative.

Sometimes a cinematographer has to utilize the available lighting, which could be anything from the natural sunlight to street lights. There are various different types of lighting. Soft light - Diffused light that is not concentrated in one particular area, the product of a large light source such as the sky. In contrast, when we can see harsh shadows and high contrast between dark and light areas, it is apparent that the light is concentrated from one direction, the product of a small light source such as a spotlight.

Book References

Digital video handbook
Tom Ang
2005
Penguin

Photography
John Ingledew
2005
Lawrence King Publishing