Lighting- The Cinematographer's Leading Role

When looking through the lens, our subject is in our focus. However, the portrayal of the subject's tone cannot be captured without the proper lighting. The cinematographer's goal is to bring the subject to life and to the attention of our viewers. The best tool we have to achieve this is light.

With this simple tool we have the power to pre-determine the essence of how our image will be perceived.

The two clear examples of lighting consist of natural and artificial light. Each possess different qualities that will effect the mood of your scene and overall picture quite dramatically. By carefully observing the choices of previous cinematographer's, we can use their techniques and strategies to our advantage.

I'd like first to discuss how we can use natural lighting most advantageously. In 1978, "Days of Heaven" stole the minds of many with the use of natural lighting to capture the tonality of the picture. As a romantic drama, the lighting was highly reflective of the essence of the overall film. In order to get this type of dramatic lighting, the crew filmed at sunrise and sunsets. Overall creating a softer temperature to the picture.

With artificial lights, we as filmmakers can control the appearance of our film in a much more dramatic way. One of the most significant ways we can frame a character or scene is through our use of lights and shadows. Let's take the film noir genre for example. "A Touch of Evil" by Orson Welles.

This image highlights the victim, while shading the man with the gun. Using the lights to create a sense of urgency and mystery. By using lights to create dynamic shadows and highlights, a filmmaker has the potential to intensify their story. Understanding how to use lights it's critical for a filmmaker and their story.

Using natural light, or artificial light is an artistic choice, but it must fit the story. Through the use of lights we can create a world of wonder, or a world of mystery.