Exploring the Art of Cinematic Lighting: Techniques and Concepts for Stunning Visual Effects

Welcome to the fascinating world of cinematic lighting! In the realm of filmmaking, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood, atmosphere, and tone of a scene. It is a powerful storytelling tool that can transform a simple setup into a visually stunning masterpiece. Cinematic lighting refers to the techniques and concepts used in filmmaking to create a specific look and feel for a scene. This can include the use of different light sources, colors, angles, and intensities to achieve a desired effect. Whether it’s creating dramatic shadows, highlighting a character’s emotions, or setting the stage for a suspenseful moment, cinematic lighting is an essential element in the art of storytelling through film. So, let’s dive into the exciting world of cinematic lighting and explore the techniques and concepts that make our favorite movies look so stunning.

What is Cinematic Lighting?

Definition and Characteristics

Cinematic lighting refers to the use of light in filmmaking to create specific visual effects and enhance the storytelling aspects of a movie. It is an art form that requires a deep understanding of the relationship between light and shadow, color, and composition. The following are some of the key characteristics of cinematic lighting:

• Illuminating scenes for visual storytelling: Cinematic lighting is not just about creating a pretty picture; it’s about using light to tell a story. Every lighting choice made by the cinematographer contributes to the overall narrative of the film. For example, a scene might be lit to create a sense of danger or to emphasize a particular emotion.
• Enhancing mood, atmosphere, and emotion: Lighting can be used to create a specific mood or atmosphere in a scene. For example, a low-key lighting setup might be used to create a moody, atmospheric scene, while a high-key setup might be used to create a more upbeat, energetic scene. Additionally, the color of the light can be used to evoke a particular emotion, such as using warm colors to create a sense of nostalgia or cool colors to create a sense of detachment.
• Creation of contrast, depth, and dimensionality: Cinematic lighting is all about creating contrast and depth in a scene. This can be achieved through the use of shadows, highlights, and different angles and positions of the light sources. By creating contrast and depth, the cinematographer can draw the viewer’s attention to specific elements in the scene and create a more immersive viewing experience.

Overall, cinematic lighting is a crucial element of filmmaking that can greatly enhance the visual storytelling aspects of a movie. It requires a deep understanding of the relationship between light and shadow, color, and composition, as well as a strong artistic vision.

The Impact on Visual Aesthetics

Cinematic lighting is a technique used in filmmaking to create a specific mood, atmosphere, and visual aesthetic for a scene. It involves the strategic use of light to draw the audience’s attention, emphasize specific elements, and enhance the overall visual quality of a film.

Drawing the audience’s attention

One of the primary goals of cinematic lighting is to draw the audience’s attention to specific elements in a scene. This can be achieved by using contrasting light and shadow, highlighting certain objects or characters, or creating a focal point. For example, in a scene where a character is walking down a dark alley, the lighting could be used to highlight the character’s face or the entrance of a shadowy figure, drawing the audience’s attention to these elements.

Emphasizing specific elements

Cinematic lighting can also be used to emphasize specific elements in a scene. This can include emphasizing the emotions of a character, drawing attention to a particular object or piece of scenery, or highlighting a particular theme or message. For example, in a scene where a character is reading a letter, the lighting could be used to highlight the letter and the character’s reaction to it, emphasizing the emotional impact of the scene.

Enhancing the overall visual quality

Finally, cinematic lighting can be used to enhance the overall visual quality of a film. This can include creating a specific mood or atmosphere, using light to create depth and dimension, or using light to create a sense of time and place. For example, in a scene set in a rainforest, the lighting could be used to create a sense of lushness and natural beauty, enhancing the overall visual quality of the scene.

Overall, the impact of cinematic lighting on visual aesthetics is significant. By drawing the audience’s attention, emphasizing specific elements, and enhancing the overall visual quality of a film, cinematic lighting can create a powerful and immersive viewing experience.

The Fundamentals of Cinematic Lighting

Lighting Design and Composition

When it comes to lighting design and composition in film, there are a few key principles that filmmakers should keep in mind. These principles include:

• Balancing ambient and artificial light sources: In order to create a realistic and visually appealing lighting design, filmmakers must balance the amount of ambient light (natural light) and artificial light (lights used on set) in a scene. This can be achieved by using a combination of natural light and practical lights, as well as adding additional lighting elements as needed.
• Creating a visual language through light: Lighting can be used to communicate emotions and tell a story in a film. By using different colors, intensities, and angles of light, filmmakers can create a visual language that enhances the story being told.
• The importance of contrast and balance: Contrast and balance are crucial in lighting design and composition. Contrast can be used to create visual interest and draw the viewer’s attention to specific elements in a scene, while balance can be used to create a sense of harmony and stability.

In addition to these principles, filmmakers should also consider the following elements when designing and composing lighting for their films:

• The time of day: The time of day can have a significant impact on the mood and atmosphere of a scene. For example, a scene filmed during the golden hour (the hour before sunset) will have a different feel than a scene filmed at midnight.
• The location: The location of a scene can also impact the lighting design. For example, a scene filmed in a bright, open space will require a different lighting design than a scene filmed in a dark, enclosed space.
• The tone: The tone of a scene can also impact the lighting design. For example, a scene with a dark and foreboding tone may require a more ominous and intense lighting design than a scene with a lighter and more playful tone.

Overall, lighting design and composition are essential elements of cinematic lighting. By understanding the principles of lighting design and composition, filmmakers can create stunning visual effects that enhance the story being told and engage the viewer.

Color Temperature and White Balance

The Role of Color Temperature in Storytelling

Color temperature plays a crucial role in storytelling as it influences the mood and atmosphere of a scene. Warm colors, such as reds, oranges, and yellows, tend to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and intimacy, while cooler colors, like blues and greens, can create a sense of coldness, detachment, and even eeriness. The use of color temperature can be employed to transport the audience to different times of day or even different locations, further enhancing the storytelling experience.

White Balance Adjustments for Different Scenes

White balance is the process of adjusting the color balance of a video or image to ensure that the colors appear natural and true to life. It is especially important when filming in different lighting conditions, such as indoor and outdoor scenes, as the color temperature can vary significantly. By adjusting the white balance, filmmakers can create a consistent color palette throughout their footage, making it appear more natural and realistic.

There are several methods for adjusting white balance, including manual adjustments, preset settings, and automatic adjustments. Manual adjustments involve using a color meter or gray card to measure the color temperature and adjusting the camera settings accordingly. Preset settings allow filmmakers to select a predefined white balance based on the lighting conditions, such as daylight, shade, or tungsten. Automatic adjustments use the camera’s sensor to analyze the lighting conditions and automatically adjust the white balance.

Maintaining Consistency Across Different Media

Consistency is key in cinematic lighting, as it helps to create a cohesive visual style across different media. Whether filming for a feature film, television show, or commercial, maintaining a consistent color palette helps to create a sense of continuity and realism. This is especially important when working with different cameras, lighting equipment, and post-production software, as each may have its own color profile and white balance settings.

To maintain consistency, filmmakers can use a variety of tools and techniques, including color calibration, color correction, and color grading. Color calibration involves matching the color output of different devices, such as cameras and monitors, to ensure that they reproduce colors accurately. Color correction involves adjusting the color balance of footage to remove any unwanted color casts or shifts. Color grading involves stylizing the color palette to create a specific look or mood for the final product.

Overall, color temperature and white balance play a critical role in cinematic lighting, as they help to create a consistent and believable visual experience for the audience. By understanding the fundamentals of color temperature and white balance, filmmakers can use lighting to enhance storytelling, create a specific mood or atmosphere, and maintain consistency across different media.

Cinematic Lighting Techniques

Key Light

The key light is the primary light source in a scene and plays a crucial role in establishing the overall look and feel of the visual story. By controlling the intensity, placement, and angle of the key light, filmmakers can manipulate the mood and atmosphere of a scene, drawing the viewer’s attention to specific areas and creating a sense of depth and dimension.

• Intensity: The intensity of the key light determines how bright or dim it appears in the scene. A high intensity key light can create harsh shadows and contrast, while a low intensity key light can create a softer, more diffused light.
• Placement: The placement of the key light determines where the light is coming from in the scene. A key light placed high and to the side will create a dramatic, high-contrast look, while a key light placed low and in front will create a more diffused, softer look.
• Angle: The angle of the key light determines how much of the scene is being illuminated. A key light placed at a low angle will create strong shadows and a sense of depth, while a key light placed at a high angle will create a more diffused, even light.

By mastering the art of key light placement and manipulation, filmmakers can create a wide range of visual effects, from moody and atmospheric to bright and vibrant. Understanding the principles of key lighting is essential for any aspiring filmmaker looking to create stunning visual effects and tell a compelling visual story.

Fill Light

Fill light is a technique used in cinematography to soften the shadows created by the key light. The key light is the primary light source used to illuminate the scene, and it can create strong shadows that may not be desirable. Fill light is used to fill in the areas not directly lit by the key light, and it helps to maintain even lighting across the scene.

Fill light can be achieved using a variety of lighting fixtures, such as softboxes, diffuse reflectors, or LED panels. The fill light is typically placed at a 90-degree angle to the key light, and it is usually set at a lower intensity to avoid creating additional shadows.

One of the advantages of using fill light is that it can help to create a more natural and even lighting effect. It can also be used to create a subtle rim light around the subject, which can add depth and dimension to the image. Fill light can also be used to balance the lighting in a scene, for example, when shooting a subject against a dark background.

In addition to its creative uses, fill light is also an essential tool for maintaining even lighting across the scene. It can help to eliminate harsh shadows and create a more pleasing and flattering lighting effect.

Overall, fill light is a powerful tool in the cinematic lighting kit, and it can be used to create a range of creative effects while maintaining even lighting across the scene.

Backlight

Backlight is a cinematic lighting technique that is used to separate subjects from the background, add depth and dimension to subjects, and highlight specific elements in a scene. It is a form of directional lighting that is placed behind the subject, illuminating them from the back.

Separating Subjects from the Background

Backlight is often used to create a sense of separation between the subject and the background. This is achieved by illuminating the subject from behind, creating a clear outline around them. This technique is commonly used in portrait photography and filmmaking to create a distinct and visible subject.

Adding Depth and Dimension to Subjects

Backlight can also be used to add depth and dimension to subjects. By illuminating the subject from behind, shadows are created on the front of the subject. These shadows create texture and depth, making the subject appear more three-dimensional. This technique is commonly used in still photography and filmmaking to create a sense of depth and realism.

Highlighting Specific Elements in a Scene

Backlight can also be used to highlight specific elements in a scene. By placing a light source behind an object or area that needs to be emphasized, it will be highlighted and stand out from the rest of the scene. This technique is commonly used in filmmaking to draw attention to a particular object or area in a scene.

In conclusion, backlight is a powerful cinematic lighting technique that can be used to separate subjects from the background, add depth and dimension to subjects, and highlight specific elements in a scene. By understanding how to use backlight effectively, filmmakers and photographers can create stunning visual effects that draw the viewer’s attention and enhance the story being told.

Rim Light

• Adding a subtle outline around subjects
  • Emphasizing shape and form
    • Using light to define and sculpt the subject’s features
  • Creating a sense of depth and separation
    • Enhancing the three-dimensional appearance of objects in the scene

Rim light is a fundamental technique in cinematic lighting that involves illuminating the edge of a subject, creating a subtle outline around it. This technique is often used to add depth and dimension to a scene, while also drawing attention to the subject’s shape and form. By using light to define and sculpt the subject’s features, rim light can make even the most ordinary objects appear more dynamic and interesting.

One of the key benefits of rim light is its ability to create a sense of depth and separation in a scene. By illuminating the edges of objects, rim light can make them appear more three-dimensional, giving them a sense of weight and substance. This can be particularly effective when shooting in low-light conditions, as the contrast between the lit and unlit areas of the scene can create a sense of mystery and intrigue.

To achieve the desired effect, cinematographers will often use a combination of hard and soft light sources to create a subtle outline around the subject. This can be achieved using a variety of lighting techniques, including using a separate light source to illuminate the edges of the subject, or using practical lights in the scene to create a natural-looking effect.

Overall, rim light is a powerful technique that can be used to add depth and dimension to a scene, while also drawing attention to the subject’s shape and form. By using light to sculpt and define the subject’s features, cinematographers can create a sense of drama and intrigue, making even the most ordinary objects appear more dynamic and interesting.

Diffusion and Softening Techniques

The use of diffusion materials

Diffusion materials are used to spread out light and reduce harsh shadows. They are often made of transparent or translucent materials, such as polyester or nylon, which are stretched over a frame or placed on a surface. Common diffusion materials include scrims, bounce boards, and diffusing panels.

Diffusion materials work by scattering the light rays and distributing them evenly throughout the scene. This results in a softer, more natural light that eliminates harsh shadows and provides a more even illumination.

Softening harsh shadows

Harsh shadows can ruin the mood and aesthetic of a scene. To soften shadows, filmmakers can use a technique called fill lighting. Fill lighting is a light source placed on the opposite side of the subject from the key light, with the aim of reducing the contrast between the keyed subject and the background.

Fill lighting can be achieved by using a softbox, a diffused umbrella, or a bounce card. The goal is to create a gentle gradient of light from the key light to the fill light, resulting in a more natural and pleasing lighting effect.

Maintaining a natural look

The goal of cinematic lighting is to create a natural, realistic look that draws the viewer into the story. To achieve this, filmmakers must carefully balance the lighting to match the natural lighting conditions of the scene.

This means considering factors such as the time of day, the weather, and the location of the scene. By carefully adjusting the intensity and direction of the light sources, filmmakers can create a natural, believable look that enhances the storytelling.

Overall, diffusion and softening techniques are essential tools in cinematic lighting. By using these techniques, filmmakers can create a more natural and visually appealing look that enhances the storytelling and draws the viewer into the scene.

Color Gels and Light Modifiers

When it comes to cinematic lighting, color gels and light modifiers are two essential tools that can help you achieve a wide range of visual effects. By using these techniques, you can create unique and distinctive moods, textures, and atmospheres that will make your scenes come to life.

Using color gels to alter the mood

Color gels are translucent sheets of colored plastic that can be placed over a light source to alter its color temperature. This is a simple but powerful technique that can be used to create different moods and atmospheres in your scenes. For example, if you want to create a warm and cozy atmosphere, you can use a soft, warm-toned gel. On the other hand, if you want to create a cold and sterile atmosphere, you can use a cool-toned gel.

In addition to altering the color temperature, color gels can also be used to add a creative touch to your lighting. For example, you can use a colored gel to add a splash of color to a scene, or to create a unique visual effect.

Light modifiers for controlling the spread of light

Light modifiers are devices that are used to control the spread of light. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used to create a wide range of effects. Some common types of light modifiers include soft boxes, umbrellas, and reflectors.

Soft boxes are used to soften the light and create a more diffused beam. They are typically made of white material, and are available in a range of sizes. Umbrellas are another popular light modifier, and are used to create a more spread-out light pattern. They are available in a range of sizes, and can be used to create a variety of effects.

Reflectors are another type of light modifier, and are used to bounce light back onto a subject. They are typically made of silver or gold material, and can be used to create a range of effects.

Enhancing the creative possibilities

By using color gels and light modifiers, you can enhance the creative possibilities of your lighting. These tools can help you create unique and distinctive moods, textures, and atmospheres that will make your scenes come to life. Whether you are shooting a drama, a comedy, or an action film, these techniques can help you achieve the desired look and feel for your scenes.

In addition to being easy to use, color gels and light modifiers are also affordable and accessible. They are available in a range of sizes and colors, and can be easily adapted to fit the needs of your project. So whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, these techniques are sure to help you take your lighting to the next level.

Cinematic Lighting Concepts

Practical vs. Theoretical Lighting

The Importance of Both Approaches

In the world of filmmaking, there are two primary approaches to lighting: practical and theoretical. Both approaches have their unique benefits and drawbacks, and a successful cinematographer must understand how to balance practicality with artistic vision. This section will delve into the importance of both practical and theoretical lighting and how they can be used to create stunning visual effects.

Balancing Practicality with Artistic Vision

Practical lighting involves the use of physical light sources, such as lamps and light fixtures, to illuminate a scene. This approach is often used because it is easy to control and predict the lighting effects. However, it can also be limiting in terms of creativity and artistic vision. On the other hand, theoretical lighting involves the use of mathematical equations and computer-generated images to create lighting effects. This approach allows for more creative freedom but can be difficult to execute and may not always match the desired effects in practical lighting.

To create stunning visual effects, it is essential to find a balance between practicality and artistic vision. A cinematographer must consider the story being told, the mood and tone of the scene, and the budget and resources available. By carefully balancing these factors, a cinematographer can create lighting effects that enhance the story and contribute to the overall visual aesthetic of the film.

Experimenting with New Techniques

One of the advantages of working in the film industry is the opportunity to experiment with new techniques and technologies. Cinematographers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with lighting, and new tools and techniques are constantly being developed.

Experimenting with new techniques can help a cinematographer to create unique and stunning visual effects. However, it is important to remember that new techniques may not always work as intended, and it is essential to have a backup plan in case things go wrong.

In conclusion, the balance between practical and theoretical lighting is crucial in creating stunning visual effects in filmmaking. A cinematographer must understand the benefits and drawbacks of both approaches and use them in a way that enhances the story and contributes to the overall visual aesthetic of the film. By experimenting with new techniques and technologies, a cinematographer can push the boundaries of what is possible and create unique and memorable visual effects.

Lighting for Different Genres

The role of lighting in different genres

In the world of cinema, lighting plays a crucial role in shaping the overall look and feel of a film. It is an essential element that sets the tone, mood, and atmosphere of a scene, while also revealing or concealing details that contribute to the narrative. The way light is used in filmmaking can significantly impact the audience’s emotional response and engagement with the story. Each genre of film has its unique lighting style, which contributes to the specific themes and motifs associated with that genre. For instance, horror films often use low-key lighting to create a sense of dread and unease, while romantic comedies rely on bright, colorful lighting to convey a sense of joy and optimism.

Adapting to the specific needs of each genre

A film’s lighting design must be tailored to its genre to effectively convey the desired mood and atmosphere. Directors and cinematographers must consider the story’s setting, characters, and themes when deciding on the appropriate lighting style. For example, a period drama set in the 18th century would require a different lighting approach than a contemporary action film. The lighting in period dramas often relies on natural light sources, such as candles and fireplaces, to create a sense of authenticity and atmosphere. In contrast, contemporary action films often use rapid cuts, fast motion, and intense lighting to create a sense of excitement and energy.

Examples of lighting in various genres

In order to illustrate the impact of lighting on different genres, it is helpful to examine specific examples. One notable example is the use of lighting in the film “Blade Runner” (1982), directed by Ridley Scott. The film is set in a dystopian future, and the lighting design reflects this dark and bleak world. The use of neon lights and stark shadows creates a sense of decay and alienation, reinforcing the film’s themes of loneliness and identity. In contrast, the film “La La Land” (2016), a musical romance, uses bright, colorful lighting to convey a sense of joy and optimism. The film’s musical numbers are staged in highly stylized and choreographed settings, with the use of primary colors and saturated lighting to create a sense of fantasy and escapism. These examples demonstrate how lighting can be used to shape the audience’s emotional response and engagement with the story.

Collaboration Between Lighting and Other Crew Members

• The relationship between lighting and camera
  • Lighting is not only about creating a visual look but also about creating an emotional impact on the audience. It can help convey mood, atmosphere, and emotions that are not explicitly shown in the script. A good collaboration between lighting and camera can make the scene look more cinematic and help the audience connect emotionally with the story.
  • Camera placement and movement are also crucial in cinematic lighting. The position of the camera can affect how the lighting is perceived on screen. For example, a low angle shot can make the subject look more powerful, while a high angle shot can make the subject look vulnerable. The movement of the camera can also create interesting visual effects and enhance the storytelling.
• Coordinating with other departments
  • Cinematic lighting is not just about the lighting itself, but also about how it works with other departments such as costume, makeup, and production design. A good collaboration between lighting and other departments can create a cohesive and visually appealing production.
  • For example, the color of the lighting can complement the costumes and makeup, while the placement of the lights can enhance the production design. A good communication and coordination between lighting and other departments can create a harmonious and visually stunning production.
• Enhancing the overall production quality
  • Cinematic lighting is not just about creating a visual look but also about enhancing the overall production quality. It can help create a cinematic feel and enhance the storytelling.
  • A good use of lighting can create a sense of depth, dimension, and texture, making the production look more professional and polished. It can also help create a sense of realism, making the audience believe in the story and the characters.
  • In summary, the collaboration between lighting and other crew members is crucial in creating a cinematic look and enhancing the overall production quality. A good communication and coordination between lighting and other departments can create a cohesive and visually stunning production.

Lighting for VFX and Post-Production

Lighting for VFX and post-production plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall visual quality of a film or television show. It involves carefully planning and executing lighting techniques that not only create the desired mood and atmosphere but also cater to the needs of visual effects (VFX) and post-production processes.

Here are some key considerations for VFX-friendly lighting:

• Consistent lighting: It is essential to maintain consistent lighting throughout the shooting process to ensure seamless integration of VFX elements in post-production. This includes paying attention to lighting continuity, matching the lighting conditions from one shot to another, and maintaining the same lighting intensity and color temperature.
• Proper exposure: Correct exposure is crucial for ensuring that the footage can be easily manipulated in post-production. This involves setting the appropriate aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve the desired brightness and contrast levels. Overexposing or underexposing footage can make it difficult to adjust the exposure levels later on.
• Color accuracy: Maintaining accurate color reproduction is essential for VFX-friendly lighting. This involves using color-accurate lighting equipment and carefully selecting color gels or diffusion filters to match the desired color temperature and lighting style.

Additionally, lighting for enhanced post-production workflows may involve the following techniques:

• Keyframe lighting: This technique involves creating keyframes at specific points in the scene to allow for easy adjustments to the lighting in post-production. Keyframe lighting can help enhance the overall mood and atmosphere of the scene, as well as facilitate the integration of VFX elements.
• Multi-layer lighting: This technique involves using multiple layers of lighting to create a more dynamic and complex lighting setup. Multi-layer lighting can help create a range of different lighting effects, from subtle highlights and shadows to bold and dramatic lighting styles.

Overall, lighting for VFX and post-production requires careful consideration of the needs of both the on-set cinematographer and the post-production team. By using VFX-friendly lighting techniques and considering the needs of post-production workflows, filmmakers can create visually stunning and dynamic films and television shows.

FAQs

1. What is cinematic lighting?

Cinematic lighting is a technique used in filmmaking to create a specific mood, atmosphere, and visual style in a scene. It involves the use of lighting equipment, such as lamps, lights, and reflectors, to manipulate the lighting conditions and achieve a desired effect. Cinematic lighting is often used to enhance the visual quality of a film and create a more engaging and immersive experience for the audience.

2. What are some techniques used in cinematic lighting?

There are many techniques used in cinematic lighting, including:
* Key lighting: This is the main light source used to illuminate the subject or scene.
* Fill lighting: This is used to fill in the shadows created by the key light and provide a more even lighting distribution.
* Backlighting: This is used to separate the subject from the background and create a sense of depth and dimension.
* Ambient lighting: This is the natural lighting in a scene, such as the light coming through a window or door.
* Special effects lighting: This is used to create unique and stylized lighting effects, such as flashing lights or explosions.

3. What are some common concepts in cinematic lighting?

Some common concepts in cinematic lighting include:
* The three-point lighting setup: This is a basic lighting setup that includes the key light, fill light, and backlight.
* The color temperature of light: This refers to the color of the light, which can be warm (like the yellow-orange glow of candlelight) or cool (like the bright white light of a fluorescent bulb).
* The intensity of light: This refers to the brightness of the light, which can be adjusted to create different moods and effects.
* The quality of light: This refers to the softness or hardness of the light, which can affect the way shadows are cast and the overall look of the scene.

4. How does cinematic lighting affect the mood of a scene?

Cinematic lighting can have a significant impact on the mood of a scene. For example, a scene lit with warm, yellow-orange light may feel cozy and intimate, while a scene lit with cool, bright white light may feel sterile and clinical. The intensity and quality of the light can also affect the mood, with brighter and harder lighting creating a more energetic and active feel, and softer and more diffused lighting creating a more relaxed and peaceful feel.

5. How is cinematic lighting used in different genres of film?

Cinematic lighting is used in many different genres of film to create specific moods and atmospheres. For example, horror films often use dim, eerie lighting to create a sense of fear and unease, while action films may use bright, flashing lights to create a sense of excitement and energy. Romantic comedies may use soft, warm lighting to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, while dramas may use more naturalistic lighting to create a sense of realism.

6. Can cinematic lighting be used in other types of media?

Yes, cinematic lighting techniques can be used in other types of media, such as photography, television, and stage productions. The principles of lighting and the techniques used to manipulate light are similar across these different media, and many of the same concepts and techniques can be applied to create stunning visual effects.

Ultimate Guide to Cinematic Lighting — Types of Light & Gear Explained [Shot List Ep. 12]