Sit in on a light metering, film-making, Q&A training session.
First, a one-minute primer on the two ways a light meter can be used (via In Depth Cine):
Robert Machado creates a case study and Q&A in Light Meter Basics: Understanding Lighting Ratios, to demonstrate and take questions on his techniques in applying contrast ratio concepts in real shooting scenarios:
Rob Ellis goes through, step by step, how to use contrast ratio to achieve a scene which looks dark, but also looks correctly exposed…
… and, in the process, reveals how, contrary to what one may expect, noise in the shadows can be reduced if lit for a lower ISO:
Further Viewing
To learn more about the concepts Robert references, here’s a roundup of explainers and tutorials on contrast ratios:
And here’s a more detailed look at specific tools to help nail exposure and contrast:
Related Posts:
Film School: Working with Natural Light A roundup of tutorials about working with only natural or available light.
Film School: The Cinematography of Roger Deakins A collection of videos on the cinematography of Roger Deakins.
Film School: Recreating Shots from Movies A fun, hands-on way to learn the craft - and illusion - of film-making.
Film School: Shaping Motivated Light Get creative by using gobos for more theatrical lighting.
Film School: Chiaroscuro & Contrast Ratio Balancing light and dark in your image - the cinematic way.
Film School: Colour in ‘Euphoria’ "Sometimes, in order to get to the deepest emotional depths of a character, capturing a feeling, rather than reality, is more important."
Film School: Product Videos with Austen Paul Tips for creating product videos which look CGI-slick, but are mostly made with in-camera techniques and careful pre-planning.
Film School: Camera Assist Tools A roundup of tutorials on how to capture the best possible image, technically.