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Filmmaking
5 cinematic looks with just one light
It's not how many lights you have, it's where you put one. Five lighting looks you can create with a single light, plus five habits that improve any setup.
One light is enough
You don't need a van full of gear. Most of the looks people call cinematic come from where you place a single light, and what you switch off.
Five looks
The 45 degree key: classic and flattering. Side light at 90 degrees: moody and dramatic. Backlight: dreamy, with separation. Window and bounce: soft and natural. A practical lamp in frame: warm and lived-in.
Turn the overheads off first
Every time. Overhead lights flatten faces and fight whatever look you're building. Turn them off, then place your one light with intention.
How to place each look
For the 45 degree key, put the light to the side and a little above eye level, and look for a small triangle of light on the far cheek. For side light, move it to 90 degrees so half the face falls into shadow. For backlight, put it behind your subject facing the camera and bounce some light back with a white card.
Using what you already have
A window is the biggest, softest light you own. Sit your subject at 45 degrees to it and add a white card on the shadow side. A lamp in the background sells warmth, as long as your real light comes from the same side.
Five habits for any setup
Turn the overheads off. A bigger source gives softer light. A closer light gives faster falloff into shadow. Block the spill you don't want. Expose for the face. Do those five things and one light will look like three.
