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Lighting Techniques

Every lighting technique in film is a dedicated lesson in visual storytelling. Browse the full library and learn how to use each approach on your next production.

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Lighting Techniques

Explore the essential lighting setups used by cinematographers to shape mood, direct attention, and define a scene's visual language.

Three Point Lighting

The foundation

High-Key Lighting

Bright and open

Low-Key Lighting

Shadow and drama

Rembrandt Lighting

Classic and dimensional

Loop Lighting

Natural and flattering

Split Lighting

Duality and conflict

Butterfly Lighting

Glamour and beauty

Broad Lighting

Wide and revealing

Short Lighting

Narrow and dramatic

Hard Lighting

Harsh and unforgiving

Soft Lighting

Gentle and diffused

Back Lighting

Separation and silhouette

Side Lighting

Texture and depth

Top Lighting

Eerie and unsettling

Under Lighting

Fear and menace

Practical Lighting

Authentic atmosphere

Natural Lighting

Raw and real

Chiaroscuro

Light versus dark

Motivated Lighting

Grounded in reality

Color Gels

Mood through color

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