The art of light, documentary lighting techniques

In my many years of shooting science and education documentaries, photographing people is a very important part of it. How to choose light and lighting at this time is also a skill that photographers must master. According to the nature of light, it can be divided into soft light and hard light, which can also be called scattered light and direct light. Only by knowing how to use these two types of light reasonably can you ensure that the character shooting part will not become a "delay" in your film. " part.

About "soft light"

The nature of the light source determines the nature of the light. It is a little difficult to produce a soft light effect with a spotlight. Soft light is a kind of scattered shadowless light. illumination. Soft light comes from, for example, a fake cloudy day with haze, or from rows of three-color lights reflected above the studio, from artificial fluorescent tubes such as KINO (composed of two or four tubes), or from some lights around the subject. Diffuse reflected light formed by diffuse reflective materials.

Generally speaking, soft light is a scattered light source, which can make the layers and details of the dark parts of the object more delicate and clear. The disadvantage is that it loses the shadow and highlight parts, drowning the large shape structure of the object. As a result, the undulating shadows and layers on the surface will be greatly weakened, resulting in a flat light effect. It is indeed a bit difficult to prevent this soft light from spreading to unnecessary places around it.

The soft light without shadow in the secondary light mentioned here is actually a kind of flat light, and there is no light effect at all. We often say "big flat light", because the light is relatively flat, it can reveal everything we see. It is also the most commonly used quick lighting method when interviewing and photographing people. It can also be said to be a A more delicate so-called modeling treatment. Sometimes it will also cause an ambiguous effect to the viewer, because it is inseparable from the definition of light contrast. Generally speaking, indoors, and only indoors, because the characters are affected by the surrounding ambient light. Generally speaking, the light and shadow are natural and soft soft light, only the edges of the shadows in the dark parts of the subject are slightly different.

In actual work shooting, generally due to the dark indoor light, we need to increase a certain brightness. Increasing the brightness will inevitably be different from the original environment. The method of compensation is to appropriately increase the amount of light used under the original natural light conditions. Its advantage is that it will not affect the large ambient light. According to the environment at that time, the illuminator is required to rearrange the lights. Generally speaking, scattering may be used. light or reflected light. In any case, the light created by the illuminator should not be too strong, and the edge of the shadow should be weakened as much as possible. It should conform to the light of the original natural environment. Adding soft light paper (cloth) is the best way to reduce the light through "filtering". Than, the light will become softer at this time. Generally speaking, it is more commonly used when shooting girls or idol dramas. It can make the light and shadow of the characters and the surrounding environment change very comfortably, thereby removing or weakening the annoying shadows that shape the characters, such as (nose shadow, eye shadow, lip shadow and chin shadow). shadows, etc.).

In my filming experience, almost when I use lamps to shoot people, I will use soft paper, soft cloth and reflector. The only time I brought two 300W small lights, the light was obviously not enough, and the light was already very weak with the blue paper. When photographing people, the 300W small light is directed to the person's face, and then a large reflector is added to the other side of the person. Fortunately, the light is not too strong, and a reflector is used to fill in the other side of the character, so it feels good to have a little light on the character's face. So as long as the headlights are not strong and the light is not particularly dazzling or harsh, it is emphasized here that when shooting people in scientific documentaries, it is best to use soft light, because this kind of light is consistent with the environment and is When blended together, the picture feels more friendly, comfortable, and as natural as a movie. This is my personal opinion and may not necessarily be suitable for you, because everyone has different thoughts and feelings. On-site shooting requires detailed analysis of specific issues.

About "hard light"

Generally speaking, "hard light" can be used as both the main light and the auxiliary light. For light sources from the sun or indoor spotlights, it There is a clear shadow boundary. The "hard light" that is mainly the main light is not particularly suitable for shooting people, especially women, which is even more uncomfortable. Generally speaking, this kind of "hard light" lighting is avoided because the light produced is sharp and angular, especially the shadow of the nose and jaw of the character's head is very strong, so unless you are shooting something bizarre, resolute, strong and abnormal, Most people "dare not" use it because of its informative and suggestive content.

On the other hand, "hard light" can make the light source of the spotlight well concentrated and the direction and range of the light can be controlled. It is a kind of light with clear direction. If the light power is large enough, we can use it to replace sunlight. For example, using a dysprosium lamp can also achieve convincing effects. At the same time, it can also provide a clear outline of the shape and the texture of the surface of the object. The disadvantage is that the shadow is too obvious. , stiff and not very beautiful. Especially when photographing people, it is difficult to eliminate the shadows on the person's body if not handled properly.

As a fill light, "hard light" is generally used less. Even if it is used, it should be dispersed and softened as much as possible, because it can cast messy shadows and is difficult to eliminate.

CCTV Photographer Li Dongfeng

Li Dongfeng graduated from the Photography Department of Beijing Film Academy in 1987. In the same year, he entered Beijing Science Education Film Studio (Central New Film Group) and is a national second-level photographer. , specializing in film and television photography. Served as the cinematographer for the movie "Warming Earth" (which won the 28th China Golden Rooster Award in 2011).

Only by constantly observing excellent documentary works and accumulating experience through actual shooting can you calmly use the rich expressive power given by light in future shootings.