Nina Denning

7. Lighting

Posted on 22 June, 2016  in MDU115

One of the first special effects that get applied to a model or scene is lighting. Lighting is the key when it comes to how you want your character to come across, the same character can be seen in a completely different way depending on how they are lit (Simonds, B. 2010).

Image sourced from: https://bensimonds.com/2010/06/03/lighting-tips-from-the-masters/

This image displays the affect different lighting can have on a character, the light shinning from above gives a “noble” look while the light from underneath gives a “menacing” view while the light from behind just displays an intriguing silhouette. (Simonds, B. 2010)

There are many different types of lighting that can be applied, a basic three point lighting setup has the key light which is meant to capture the most attention, there is the backlight which gives the character more definition and the fill light used to lighten up the tone of the surrounding area.

Basic three point lighting setup.

Image sourced from: https://bensimonds.com/2010/06/03/lighting-tips-from-the-masters/

Lighting is not only an important feature to add to the character but its also used to capture the feeling and tone of the environment, whether it is morning, midday, afternoon or night can be portrayed through the correct placing of lighting. The texture of the surface being lit also needs to be taken into account, for example metallic surfaces would bounce back the light, reflecting it.

References:

1.  Simonds, B. (2010). Lighting tips from the Masters. BenSimonds.com. Retrieved 17 June 2016, from https://bensimonds.com/2010/06/03/lighting-tips-from-the-masters/