Cinematography: Theory and Practice, 3rd Edition

Figure 13.1. Dramatic shafts of light punching through rain and smoke make this frame from 9 1/2 Weeks a powerful and striking visual.

lighting basics

Figure 13.2. This shot from O Brother, Where Art Thou? demonstrates the importance of lighting from the upstage side (his key from the left) and motivated lighting—the kicker coming in from the right. It appears to be coming from the table lamp (its “motivation”) but it is actually a soft source off-screen.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF LIGHTING

I’m sure you’ve heard this, “If you light it right…” ...