Lighting blog task

 

1. Identify examples of high and low-key lighting.
2. Say which depict top, back or under lighting.
3. What effects are created by the lighting in each image?

 The image above uses high-key lighting as most of her face is visible and there are minimal amounts of high contrasting elements/shadows. The majority of the shot depicts back lighting as half of her face is brightly lit suggesting there are lighting elements to her side. An ominous vibe is created as half of her face is lit which could suggest two different personalities to her character.

 The image above is an example of low-key lighting as there is a lot of contrast, this is also an example of top lighting as her face is brightly lit which could be an attempt to represent and emphas
ise her looks. An element of tension is created as she appears to be looking up at something with a bit of confusion. The lighting further helps support this idea as the background is dark and dimly lit suggesting there may be something out there.

 The image above is an example of high-key lighting as there are a minimal amount of shadows present in the image. The lighting here is top lighting and this helps to reveal the characters emotion as he looks angry and vicious.

 Low-key lighting is used in this image to create high amounts of contrast and shadows which help to fulfill the "film noir" look and aesthetic. Back lighting is used to help create a "silhouette" effect which creates the effect of mystery.

 High-key lighting is used here as most of her face is visible and there are not a lot of shadow elements present, tension is built in the image as the character appears frightened as she is looking at something which is supported by the lighting as her face is visible enough for one to read her emotions.

 The image above uses high-key lighting as there are a minimal amount of shadows as everything is visible and lit through the synthetic "natural lighting" through the window blinds. Top lighting is also used to create focus on the characters gestures in which they are kissing. This creates an effect of love and affection.

 The image above uses low-key lighting as seen by the image being mostly covered by shadows, moreover this is done through back lighting to create silhouettes of the characters. This creates an effect of tension and mystery.

 The image above uses low-key lighting to create an effect of fear and anxiety as the characters face is visible enough so that her emotions can be read but there are enough shadow elements to suggest that there may be something lurking in the background. This is also an example of underlighting which is used to create distortion in the characters shadow/appearance.

 The image above is an example of high-key lighting which is done through top lighting which creates a sort of angelic effect. There are also a minimal amount of shadows in the image which could be due to the use of filler lights.

 The image above is a perfect example of low-key lighting as it efficiently creates a horrific image which is done through back lighting, this creates a silhouette of the character which creates an effect of mystery.

 The image above uses high-key lighting which is done through top lighting to reveal the characters expressions and they appear to be happy and in love with eachother, this creates an effect of compassion and love.

Film Noir Research:

Film noir is a cinematic term which is used primarly to describe the hollywood crime dramas, this was popularised in the 1940s to 1950s and this is when low-key lighting was the main visual style. The term film noir in it self is a french term which stands for "black film". The low-key aspect is associated with light and dark contrasts which is also known as "chiaroscuro". Film noir was mainly known for its use of low angle to wide angle shows which were done through shots of peoples reflections in one or more mirrors, Other mirrors such as those which could distort images were also used. The reason why film noir and low-key lighting were used in excess is because they accurately reflected the disenchantement of the times during for example the great depression(1930s). It also helped to shine light on political corruption and organized crime. Low-key lighting also helps to emphasize drama.

Film noir also helped to characterize elements such as cynical heroes, stark lighting effects, complex plots and more.

Youtube clip which fits the film noir genre:

In the video above, throughout the video there is a consistent high contrast between light and dark elements and overall the video could be considered as monochrome. This clip accurately depicts film noir as there are a lot of instances in which drama and tension are heavily built for example when the gun slinger walks in and his movement is slowed down which creates a spine chilling effect for the viewer.