Research Assignment: Lighting
Introduction
This assignment looks at the importance of good lighting techniques. The impact of lighting on a scene is addressed and I discuss how to set up a 3-point lighting rig and the method is compared to another lighting rig, a 4-point lighting rig.
The Importance of Good Lighting Techniques
Lighting plays an important role in a scene because it can set the mood, emotion and overall conditions. Small adjustments in lighting can make large effects. Using too much ambient light can wash out a scene for example (Segal, 2008). In a natural scene, such as daylight or a night sky, there is only one light source (Segal, 2008). In 3D, lights don’t actually exist as they do in the real world, even though they simulate the real world, a number of settings need to be tweaked such as lighting settings as well as texturing settings (Segal, 2008).
Discussion of a 3-point lighting system
The3-point lighting system starts with having a key light to create the subjects main illumination (Birn, 2008). It defines the most visible lighting and shadows and is the dominant light source (Birn, 2008). It basically sets the lighting of the scene (DIY photography, 2007). A spot light can serve as a key light. It should be between 15-45 degrees above the subject (Birn, 2008). The key light is the brightest light and the main shadow-caster of the scene.
A fill light softens the illumination of the key light and makes more of the subject visible (Birn, 2008). Point lights or spot lights can be used as a fill light and several can be used (Birn, 2008). The fill light is usually half as bright as the key light (Birn, 2008).
The rim light, or back light, creates a bright line around the edge of the subject. It comes from the back (DIYphoto, 2007). It separates the object from the background.
Below is an image that illustrates the 3-point lighting technique:
Discussion of a 4-point Lighting Rig
A 4-point lighting rig has 4 lights. The fourth light is a sun lamp (Blender, 2008). This rig is used to even out the lighting on a subject (Blender, 2008). The sun lamp provides back lighting and brightens the top of the subject. The sun lamp and key light are both above the scene and if there are two lights above, the shadows will be much more sharper. This technique is used when filming behind characters or looking over their shoulders (Blender, 2008). The fill light can be a spotlight and is used to remove shadows on a subjects face.
Conclusion
Different rig setups have different purposes and create different moods. There are many types of rigs, for example, a standard rig, a 2-point rig, a single rig and a studio rig (Blender, 2008). I discussed the difference between a 3-point lighting rig and a 4-point lighting rig. The placement of a single light can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of an object (Segal, 2008).
References
Birn, J. Three point lighting for 3d renderings. Available:http://www.3drender.com/light/3point.html Accessed: 20 April 2008.
(Author unknown) Blender. “Manual/Lighting Rigs”. 2008. Available: http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Manual/Lighting_Rigs Accessed: 08 May 2008.
DIYphotograph. “The Standard 3-point Lighting Technique.” 2007. Available:
http://www.diyphotography.net/3-point-lighting-technique Accessed: 25 April 2008.
Segal, N. “3D in depth: Lighting, Part 1” 2008. Available: http://www.webreference.com/3d/column14/index.html Accessed: 25 April 2008.
