Why Lighting Is What To Invest In With Your Video Production Budget

Lighting can make or break your video. 

Lighting has the power to manipulate the look, mood, and quality of a scene. Therefore, it is an integral part of video production. Having a game plan for lighting on a shoot is essential. 

What you need to know about video lighting:

Equipment

You cannot have high-quality lighting if you do not have the right equipment. Your goal should be to at least have the supplies to create a three-point lighting set up, which includes a key light, fill light and backlight.

The key light is the most important because it highlights the form and dimension of your subject. It is the brightest light and will have the most influence on the overall look of your scene. 

The fill light is a soft light that is one places opposite the key light. Its use is to 'fill' in any shadows generated by the key light.

The backlight lights the subject from behind. It separates the subject from the background and provides depth.

Angles

Light can be directed in different angles which directly affect the perception of a scene or subject.

 Creating light from a high angle can create a beautiful, soft aura which makes the subject appear warm and amiable.

High angled lighting can also generate a spotlight effect. This can be used in instances when the director wants to direct the audience's eye on a specific subject. Lighting from above can change the perception of a scene based on its focus. 

Lighting from a low angle creates a striking effect. It is typically used to make someone look powerful or intimidating. Most films in the horror genre use this kind of angled lighting.

Color and temperature

DPs agree that lighting and color are the backbones of the emotional journey. There must be a thought process when selecting the coloring and illumination of a scene. They must harmonize with the context of what is happening on screen.

The reception of various colors:

Bright colors like oranges and pinks portray warmth. 

Blues and grays represent cruelty and sorrow.

Darker colors like reds and blacks show passion, anger or danger. 

White depicts purity and innocence.

Yellow illustrates happiness and energy

Green characterizes jealousy

Intensity of light

Brightness can be separated into two different groups of intensity: hard light and soft light. Hard light mimics sunlight and is produced from a small source. It lights the subject sharply and is concentrated in a small area. Soft light gives the appearance of a cloudy day and is created from a larger light source, diffused over a wider space.

Lighting equipment may be expensive, but it ensures your video has the right look.