Consider the following when planning the lights
in your scene.
The purpose of light sources
Character or object illumination
typically includes the following lights:
- A key light is
the main light that illuminates the character or object. For outdoor
scenes in the real world, the key light is generally the sun.
- A secondary light,
often called a fill light because it fills in dark areas.
- Backlights, if necessary, to distinguish
the character or object from the background.
The characteristics of
light sources
Consider the following
characteristics of a light source when planning your scenes.
Softness or hardness
Hard
light produces sharp shadow lines. Hard light sources typically
include light bulbs, bright sun, and flash lights.
Soft light is diffused
and produces soft edges. Soft light sources typically include light
shining through fabric (like drapes), reflected light, or sunlight diffused
through clouds.
Color
Color
and temperature are closely related. A red spot light shining on
a blue object may make it look black. Some common objects, like
street lamps may be tinted yellow.
Temperature
Soft
orange light feels warmer than blue-green light.
Intensity
The intensity of a light
source is how bright it is. For example, bright high-noon sunlight
usually is more intense than a small electronic LED. The intensity
with which a light illuminates a subject appears to lessen (or decay)
as the subject moves farther away from the light.
Movement
Lighthouse lights rotate.
Flashlights might swing from a rope.