Three-point lighting + health and safety

In the last seminar we had a lesson on lighting and learnt the basics of it, specifically three-point lighting.

Key Light: This is the main light that is used when lighting a set. It it usually the brightest and highest up of the lights, and is positioned off centre (to either the left or right) of the person, most likely at 45 degrees to create harsh shadows on the people stood there.

Back Light: Is positioned behind the person and gives them a halo or Ready Brek effect. It adds more depth and definition to the person, making them stand out compared to the background.

Fill Light: This light, like the key light, is also positioned off centre from the subject and softens the harsh shadows caused by the key light. This is the give the film/photo a more gentle look so the contrast isn't too high.


Okay, now the health and safely. There's so much of it I'll probablu forget to write something down, but I remember it all one way or another ^^

• Always wear gloves when handling the lights, 'cause they get really hot really fast. Check the see if the gloves have holes in them. If they do, they're useless.
  
• Make sure the cables aren't short enough so they do that weird upside down arch thing on the floor. It makes it way too easy to trip over.
• Try not to make the cables go over anywhere people are walking. If there's no other option, place a rubber mat over the cables and instruct everyone to follow that path.
• Check that there are no cuts/wires showing in the cables. It might 'cause a really bad accident.
• Make sure that the tripod is at its wiedest at the bottom. It adds more stability.
• On the subject of stability, while high up lights sound like a good idea, don't make the light stand too high up unless you've got someone holding it at all times. Even if you do, don't make it way too high, 'cause that's a danger even with someone keeping an eye on it.
• Let people know before you start switching lights on. They're really bright and can hurt people's eyes.
• Don't let the filters touch the light. It burns right through them.
• Don't touch the ring that you connect the barn doors do. It soaks up heat and would badly burn you.

I know I've forgot something, but I really do remember everything in my own little way, honest ^^;

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