Filmmaking Tips: Mastering the Art of Dramatic Lighting

Dramatic lighting doesn’t have to break the bank or be complicated. Discover how you can effortlessly create a stunning low-light scene.

There are countless ways to tell a captivating story with dramatic lighting. In this engaging video tutorial, we explore various approaches to help you determine which one will work best for your project. Let’s dive into each setup and learn the art of crafting a beautiful composition.

House Lights

In our initial shot, the only available light is the tungsten ceiling light. Clearly, this light is not ideal. To achieve exceptional lighting, you must have control over the light. Since we aim for a striking low-light aesthetic, make sure to turn off any lights that are spilling onto your shot.

Motivated Light

I find that the best way to illuminate your scene is by defining the source of your light, also known as “motivating” the light. I added a practical lamp to provide a light source within the scene and determine how we shape it.

Control Your Light Sources

A skilled cinematographer ensures that crucial elements are not overexposed. Here, we placed a light dimmer on the lamp to control the exposure.

Enhance Your Light

Since we dimmed the lamp, a significant amount of light directed at our subject was lost. To introduce a defined key light, we positioned an LED panel behind the lamp, just out of frame on the left. This added more light onto our subject, making her stand out from the background.

Creating Lighting Depth

In spacious rooms, it’s effortless to achieve lighting depth. However, in smaller spaces, the best way to create contrast with your lighting is by generating shadows. You can invest in a professional shadow kit or create a DIY 4’x4′ PVC frame and use solid tape. Then, simply shine light through your cucoloris.

More Than One Way To Create Dramatic Lighting

The examples showcased in our tutorial are just a glimpse of the numerous ways you can craft a captivating low-light scene. Ensure that your lighting complements your narrative, and whenever possible, derive your light from a practical source.