Hollywood Lighting Tips

by Andy Pasquesi

Overview

Whether you're an aspiring indie filmmaker or simply looking to take better family photos, learning how to light your shots like the pros in Hollywood will pay untold dividends. Granted, professional film crews have hundreds of pieces of expensive, state-of-the-art lighting equipment at their disposal; however, by adopting the basic techniques they use, you too can enjoy the benefits of superior camera lighting.
Lens Filters

While not a technique per se, lens filters should be an integral part of any lighting strategy. Filters allow you to block certain levels and colors of light. This is especially important if you plan to shoot (or re-shoot) a single outdoor scene over a series of days. To make sure that the footage from a sunny day isn't brighter than that from a partly cloudy day, you can use a polarized light filter to dim the shot without sacrificing detail. You can even create special effects with filters. For example, "day-for-night" refers to a cinematographic technique where a special blue filter makes scenes shot during the day appear to take place at night. This saves you from the highly demanding task of trying to light a night shot without making it appear artificial.

Light Diffusers

To produce light, bulbs contain materials (e.g. metal filaments, halogen gases, noble gases) that glow brightly when excited by electricity. These materials are protected by glass shells which bend the light into noticeable refraction patterns. Light designers solve this problem through the use of translucent screens called light diffusers. Collapsible and relatively inexpensive, light diffusers are placed in front of powerful lights to evenly illuminate the shot's background. Light diffusers can also be purchased for the smaller lights used to light the foreground. Evening out foreground lighting helps prevent shiny spots on actor's faces.
Reflectors

In a properly lit scene, there is a considerable amount of light reflecting off of the subject/actors. If there are still small, unwanted shadows in the foreground, you have an option: either add another light (which could create new shadows) or use a series of reflectors to direct some light back toward the subject. Essentially foam board with a white matte finish, reflectors are placed in front of the subject, just under the camera frame. Experiment with different angles until the shadows disappear.
3-Point & 4-Point Lighting Techniques

While a bit too large in scope for a complete discussion, there are two fundamental lighting systems taught in film schools today: 3-Point Lighting and 4-Point Lighting. For a thorough introduction to these systems, check out the video links in the "Resources" section.

Overview