Lighting techniques or reference points for Newbies?

Film · 25 Feb 2008, 02:44

Thanks for reading this post.

I believe a really important point was made in another post by jenujacob in response to a rendering topic and anyone seeking to improve the look of a rendered model.

Not that I'm an expert in SU, but I do know what he [jenujacob] was talking about in saying... "perhaps the most difficult of all things [in rendering a model] is lighting... u get the lighting rite.. then ur unstoppable!"

If my own experiences are anything to go by - discovering and falling smitten with SU as a newbie - soon after dipping your toes into the water, you'll be hankering to render models you have created.

Becoming an expert in lighting techniques (overnight) is a tall (nigh impossible) order.

However, I've found real value in listening to others.

One of the best "lighting" methodologies, lighting philosophy reference (book) I have found is "Masters of Light" Conversations with Contemporary Cinematographers.

It's a 'journey' so it's not an immediately practical reference point. However it's superb reading - into the minds of the artistic and practiced thoughts / suggestions by contemporary greats on the disciplines of filmmaking / cinema illumination.

I highly recommend anyone seeking to improve the appearance of their modeling to embrace the disciplinary comments and ideology and techniques of such cinematographers and photographic masters.

I'm sorry I don't have more 'practical' references, books / materials to point towards (most of my experience has incorporated being mentored) but alas I'll seek to dig some things out and getz back to ya.

ITMT, what's your favorite lighting reference points? Who's your "Master" someone you admire who you'd love to encapsulate (or rip off ) i.e the mood or 'magic' that they've created or the technique they've pioneered or utilized which inspires?

'Film noir' (a favorite genre for me) uses 'chiaroscuro' lighting techniques a lot (contrast between light and dark) to evoke bold impressions in image making.

Cheers,

Film