Lighting Quiz

1.
Key light- the main light, is the strongest and has most influence on the look of the scene, it is placed 45 degrees above and to one side of the subject so that one side is well lit and the other side has the well needed shadow. Increasing the horizontal angle of the key will emphasize skin features and produce and aging effect.

Fill light- is a secondary light that is usually placed on the opposite side of the key light, usually 30 degrees to the left or right. It is used to fill the shadows created by the key.

Back light- is placed behind the subject and lights it from the rear, it provides definition and subtle highlights around the subjects outlines, it helps separate the subject from the background and provide more of a three-dimensional look.

2.
Use a bounce card or a reflector. Place it as you would place the fill light, where the subject is between the reflector and the sun. This will lower contrast, eliminate most of the shadows, and shine light on the face more consistently. You can make a bounce card out of foam core and you can make a reflector with crumpled aluminum foil.

3.
The 180 degree rule refers to staying on side of an imaginary line to keep the subjects on the same side of the screen and keep from confusing the viewer. Good examples are when filming two teams facing each other or just a conversation at a table or something. If you stay on one side of the line the people will both be facing different directions and remain on the same side of the screen, therefor keeping things easier to follow. If you do pass the line you must show the camera moving.