How Can Fill Light Help A Dark Scene Look Cinematic? (On Any Camera)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
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Filling in shadows is important on any camera, regardless of how dark you intend your scene to be. One aspect of a "cinematic" look is control of your highlights and shadows, in such a way to have detail in both - fill light can help you with this, especially on a camera with limited dynamic range. But it can also give you a richer, more detailed image on a more capable camera system too. In the video, we take a look at utilizing fill light for a darker, higher contrast scene, on an older Nikon D800 DSLR. This doesn't mean you have to use fill light for everything though - depending on how you want your image to look, letting your shadows fall into pure black can be very effective for the intended look and feel of a scene. As with any filmmaking technique, this is just one way to achieve a look and feel in your work - there are endless ways to paint with light, create mood and experiment with image making!
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Cameras:
Nikon D800
Blackmagic Cinema Camera 2.5K
Lenses:
Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AI
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 ART
Metabones Nikon G - BMCC Speedbooster
#filmmaking #lighting #cinematic
You're teaching me lighting like no one else on TH-cam. Amazing content.
Super happy to hear that, thank you so much! :)
Yeah, same here! It's amazing!
@@RobEllisCinematographer the same here too, you have given me a lot.
In this video you get a similar quality to Deakins' "Cove light", only with two sources from above instead of the bounces Roger uses.
It is a great contribution, thank you very very much!!!
Hope you pay this model well, he's been on a lot of videos 😂😂😂
@@abhinavdevaraj1912 I know😂
He only gets paid in the pure frustration of manually focusing himself for these videos 😂 when everything is a little less crazy and pandemic filled it'll be nice to start shooting some different models for these videos! Haha
@@RobEllisCinematographer keep up the good work man, I enjoy your videos ❤️👍
@@Om9rr thank you man, it's much appreciated! ❤
@@RobEllisCinematographer get a nucleus nano lol! Great videos btw man.
Rob - "I want to show you details in the shadows"
TH-cam Compression - "na"
Hahaha always a bit difficult to show subtle things like that on something like TH-cam, as long as you can just about see what I'm talking about then we're all good ;)
As Jimmy Sullivan would say "thats a thick toe"
I really love this videos. Im so glad i found your channel.
Thank you! I appreciate it :)
this whole channel is going to change my entire world and i already feel like my first attempt at a self shot cinematic scene will come out way better than a typical first attempt i am so excited to shoot a quick scene with these techniques please keep posting videos you are truly a gift to the art space!
i just learned more in 5 minutes than i've learned in 5 hours worth of tutorials. now i just need to buy these specific things.
Haha thank you! That means a lot! :)
your videos are so peaceful and informative. king
This channel is highly underrated. These videos do such a great job breaking down these setups and more importantly the thought process that goes into these decisions. Very insightful and inspiring
Thanks so much Paul, very much appreciated! Glad to hear that :)
I am so glad to have watch this video! You just made a 7-8 year old Nikon camera look like it was made from cine camera! This definitely curb my GAS! Looking forward to your videos!
Thank you! And thank you for the support :D
Your videos have been so educational and the best part is you actually don't break the bank in your lighting tutorials.
Thank you! :D I try to keep things a little more realistic to the everyday person interested in lighting as we all know this stuff can get expensive. And what better way to learn than with what you have/can afford! On the flip side, I am currently putting together some videos on why you should invest in more expensive gear if you can - there's always two sides of the coin! :)
Your channel is really a hidden gem
Rob, your videos are just superb. Lighting is the main area where I am still learning a lot - your videos consistently demonstrate the kind of looks I aspire to and how to achieve them. Hugely appreciate all your effort and the quality of both production and tuition. Thanks so much man!
Thanks so much for the kind words man and I'm glad my videos are helping you out, and I massively appreciate the support :)
This gotta be the best TH-cam channel for cinematography it’s simple to the point and its QUALITY. Love the details you put into these videos.
Thank you so much, glad to hear it! And thank you for watching them! :)
Thank you so much Rob, it always surprises me how much more I'm able to grasp watching your videos. Other cinematographers seem to just convolute things in comparison.
Thank you Tristan! I'm happy my videos are coming across as understandable, it's a balancing act for sure when you're talking about things like this!
Perfect learning. Especially when you are absolutely not in the subject, but want to understand. Thank you!!!
dude. your videos are remarkable. you waste no time in explaining, but you share so much knowledge and show so much of the process. This is the most practical film channel i’ve ever watched. keep going dude. and thank you, you are helping me get closer to what i want to make.
I finally feel like I’m starting to understand how to manipulate light. Thank you for an incredibly comprehensive tutorial.
Rob, I can't express how useful your videos have been as I'm just getting into cinematography and film making as a hobby. Your lessons and presentations are brilliant. Thank you and keep it up!
Thank you so much for the kind words and I'm glad my videos are helping and are easy to understand! Wishing you well with it all, it's great as a hobby or a job! :D
I love love love that you demonstrated this with an older camera!!! Great breakdown and explanation!
your videos are the perfect example for "videography is painting with light" already excited for the next one!
Thanks Justin! That's absolutely what video and photo is and it's way more interesting when you think about it as painting with light! Thanks for your support! :)
It feels like a masterclass tutorial. Thank you
This is one of the best, if not the best, lighting tutorials I’ve ever watched. Thanks. Subed bc of the quality of this video!
Thank you so much! Means a lot! And thanks for the sub! :)
Awesome. This discussion of lighting relative to dynamic range is exactly what I didn’t even realize I needed.
This video was great because you explained the thought process right from the very beginning. Opening the curtains then closing them partially to closing them fully etc.
Thank you so much! I try to include as many relevant details as possible as you don't generally just walk into a set/location and immediately know what you're doing with the lighting! So I'm glad that's making it more useful! :)
Fantastic Training, easy to follow and appreciated. Thanks Rob.
Literally the best youtube channel out there. You are a god sent
Thanks so much!! :)
I've never considered cinematic shots like these, but after seeing your impressive videos I'm considering to implement this new knowledge to my future work, especial ads or so. Thanks again!
Hey man, I spent all night learning about lighting ratios and setups and then all I could think of was how much K wanted another Rob Ellis lighting video. As soon as I woke up I saw it in my recommended! THE GODS HAVE SPOKEN haha. Thanks for all the amazing content you make. I think we can all agree that the less frequent uploads are outweighed by the quality. Keep it up u legend
Hahaha that's amazing, timed that perfectly then ;) thank you so much for the kind words man, I really appreciate it and I'm just glad to know videos like this help!! :)
Excellent tutorial - nice calming pace too. This was exactly what I was looking for for an upcoming shoot. Always enjoy your tutorials. Thanks for putting in the effort
Glad I timed that upload well! ;) thank you so much for the support, happy my videos are helping! :)
This video just proves you don't need the best gear or arri cameras to make your movie. Pay attention to your lighting and the hard work is done.
Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been stuck at my house experimenting with new techniques so I get giddy when you upload since it gives me something new to try! I really need to get more confident in doing ETTR. I feel like from upgrading from the 5D MKII to the A7SII I’ve been over relying on its high ISO range to get those dark high contrast shots. But what I should be doing is actually still be catering to the camera sensor and properly controlling light and shadow. Rather, using its high ISO as a fallback and not a solution for everything.
So thank you for this video, it really affirms what I need to change in my current shooting style! And as always I look forward to the next video!
Aah thank you so much! It's great to know people look forward to my videos, gives me a warm fuzzy feeling haha! Yeah being stuck in is the best time to experiment with stuff like this, we're back in a second lockdown in the UK so I'm in the same boat right now!
Yup and I don't blame you for over relying on high ISO - I've never shot with any of the A7S series, but I've seen how amazing the ISO performance is on those cameras and I can totally imagine getting a little too used to that haha. Awesome to know this video has inspired you in that regard though and I really appreciate your comments man! :)
Man! Well done PROfessor Rob.
Haha thanks man!! And thanks for your continued support! :)
One of the best videos on lighting, for people with very small budgets, I've seen on youtube. Just the right level of detail and very clearly explained. I also think every TH-camr who makes a video about lighting technique should use the oldest, most basic camera they have.
A video that's actually useful that isn't essentially gear-porn? Subbed.
Wow, thank you so much! :) Eternally grateful for every comment mentioning how clear these videos are - that's one of the things I worry about the most when I post these haha. It's a great exercise, forces you to take a step back and really nail your lighting - rather than relying on your camera to do half the work. Thanks so much for the sub too! :)
You are the Rembrandt of modern lighting!!
Excellent,best explanation for lighting scène ever! greeting's from France
Thank you so much!! Greetings from the UK! :)
Been watching lots of your video recently. I'm learning so much from them, and really really appreciate when you provide birds eye view examples of what you're doing with the lighting and why. Makes it so much easier to retain the information and understand it fully. Same with the bts shots that you do in this. Great stuff overall Rob!
Thanks so much Hakeem, glad to hear you're learning from them!! :)
As a still photographer (with a D800) this is great to visualize using flash. The overall integrity of light direction was helpful. I see a lot of imagery with opposing fill or overly dark shadows with one light that break the illusion of natural lighting. Good stuff Rob!
Absolutely, all of this also applies to still photography, all about that light! The D800 is still my main camera for photography, love it! Thank you!! :)
Rob, I appreciate the level of quality and work you put into your cinematography, I was wondering if you could lookinto doing a video on cinematography in sets that are meant to be dark. I am looking for solutions for portraying pitch black darkness versus what a character might expose with say, a flashlight.if you have any videos like that, please let me know!
Thanks Andy! This is a really good idea and something I've not really seen covered elsewhere - so yes! It's on the list! :) thank you for the suggestion!
Thank you! Im doing some work right now that requires that knowledge so I'll be making my best attempt at this. Looking forward to your insight!
Relatedly, I'd love to see more videos on creative uses of negative fill. Bradford Young it!
Best advice on this is dont increase you iso to lift the image using a torch should be plenty. Set design and placing the camera in places so that when you use the torch and it passes the camera there are objects and textures so you are revealing what is in the environment. I did a short film just using the torch on my phone and some practicals to test out the camera and it worked well. The challenge was lighting myself.
Because I used a phone I placed a smaller light behind the phone so that it would illuminated my face.
Be careful of mixed lighting as I don't think I got this right lol
@@DatrysiadMedia Yeah, I've been shooting at base ISO to reduce noise in the blacks and using reflectors or white sheets on areas not in the shot which help for that greatly. What I'm struggling with more is how to manage the different contrast ratios. I figure if you're doing a dark scene lit by a torch, your subject should be exposed enough to be seen but the environment around him should still remain dark. My bounce light seems to fill the whole room. Maybe its a question of set design or camera placement/framing but extra insight on that would be awesome haha
Another very excellent lighting video Rob. Not only are these examples aesthetically pleasing but your commentary on how to achieve these looks is top notch. Some of the very best lighting videos on TH-cam.
Thank you so much and I'm happy you think so, thanks Gregory! :)
Hi Rob, thank you so much for creating detailed videos on cinematic lighting. You are the only person on the whole youtube who explains in details about the lighting plan. Looking forward to more videos. Thank you
Thann you so much, I appreciate it! :)
You are just a great teacher.
robelliscinematography.com/downloads - Two Cinematic Colour Grades in Davinci Resolve - 21 Minute Video Tutorial for £8!
www.amazon.com/dp/B089VT9NSB?ref=myi_title_dp - grab the LAOFAS lantern softbox here!
Filling in shadows is important on any camera, regardless of how dark you intend your scene to be. One aspect of a "cinematic" look is control of your highlights and shadows, in such a way to have detail in both - fill light can help you with this, especially on a camera with limited dynamic range. But it can also give you a richer, more detailed image on a more capable camera system too. In the video, we take a look at utilizing fill light for a darker, higher contrast scene, on an older Nikon D800 DSLR. This doesn't mean you have to use fill light for everything though - depending on how you want your image to look, letting your shadows fall into pure black can be very effective for the intended look and feel of a scene. As with any filmmaking technique, this is just one way to achieve a look and feel in your work - there are endless ways to paint with light, create mood and experiment with image making!
Keep up the good work becos you are helping a lot of people like me. Thank you
That's what I like to hear, thank you! :)
Still can't believe how good this looks
amazing video man made me feel better that i now know i can get that cinematic look with my phone i dont need a dslr to achieve that look
Why didn't I find this channel before? This is gold! Oh my god!!
Thank you so much!! :)
This channel is so underrated!
Thank you! :)
excellent video! One of the best channels out here!
Thank you so much! :)
I'd watch a movie made entirely from your "I look somewhere" shots. That would be probably the most peaceful movie ever ))
Haha wow thank you that's so kind!!
Really helpful.... much detailing... thank you bro
So pleasant to watch. This makes me feel relaxed, and the video has the perfect tempo. All while learning!
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed and happy you learned from it! :)
Brilliant clip. Thanks Rob.
Love your channel, mate. Don't know how I've never seen it before. Watching through your back catalogue and loving it.
Thanks Mike, much appreciated! Hope the rest of my videos are useful too! :)
You’re an absolute master at this dude, every video I watch I learn something! Thank you so much for all of this amazing content
And thank you so much for watching my work man! :)
These tutorials are amazing! Thanks a bunch, your lighting are really dramatic
Thank you so much! :)
your videos are simply amazing.. your the best thank you for sharing such knowledge
Thank you so much Bakri! :) thank you for watching :D
Honestly, I would sign up for any classes you had to offer. I love your videos!
Thank you!! :) I may be putting together something along the lines of a low budget lighting course next year when things are a little less crazy! :)
Great work, Rob.
Another great one mate !!
Thanks so much man! I have your surf documentary bookmarked so I can sit down and watch that later, and probably push me that extra step forward in dropping a couple of grand on the Pocket 6K haha :)
@@RobEllisCinematographer Haha nice, let me know what you think when you have watched it :).
I've had that light ball saved in my Amazon list forever. Definitely going to buy it now! Awesome video thank you sir
Haha it's a great tool! :) thank you!!
thank you Rob! this is a fantastic video!
Thank you so much! :)
Thank you so much for these lighting lessons! You're able to explain things in an understandable way and the music keeps me grounded while watching. You've got a new subscriber right here!
Thanks Jason! I'm glad the videos are coming across as understandable too! :)
Upstage key with a subtle wrap is the move, almost* always haha.
Haha it's definitely a great go-to for getting that depth in your images, I agree!!
Always learn something valuable from Rob.
Thank you, that's awesome to know! :)
You inspire me Rob loved your videos!
Thanks Carlo!! :)
Awesome and useful examples of how you can get a cinematic look without having a massive gear. Congrats and thanks Rob!😎
Thank you Claudio! :)
Haha only Rob Ellis can get 8-bit h264 footage from an 8 year old Nikon to look like this! Fantastic video mate and funnily enough we've got that lens too!
Aah thanks mate! I'm pretty sure they still sneak older cameras into bigger productions, I was reading about a Netflix doc the other day where they used a Canon 5D Mark II as a B-cam, older cameras are still useful for sure! It's a lovely lens, I've got an old Nikkor 80-200 f/4 too and it's bloody beautiful!
@@RobEllisCinematographer Ah I bet they do. I just wince where I see a really well-shot Netflix doc with a duff drone. Watched one the other day where it was hideously over-sharpened and then the props were coming into the shot... and I was confused as to how that had been allowed to happen! Very nice on the 80-200!
I learnt so much. Thank you.
Super happy to know that! Thank you! :)
You’re tooo good. This tutorial is insane
Thank you so much! :)
Like always, an amazing video.
Thanks so much Roberto and thanks for your continued support! :D
Wish all filmmakers could see this. Good vid!
Thank you for watching! :)
Nice job man. I stumbled upon your videos and found it to be an amazing resource. Keep making more, I love your style and how you teach. I can't wait for future videos.
Thank you so much man, I appreciate it! :) more to come! :D
You are awesome
Love your Chanel ❤️
Great technique. Thank you!
Thank you for watching! :)
Great tutorial! As awesome as simple. Amazing result! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks so much! :)
Legend. As usual. 👌🏾
Thanks man!! :)
eagerly waiting for more videos
More to come! :D
Incredible video, really helped me thank you
Glad to hear it! Thank you! :)
Love your videos. Well done ❤
Thank you so much! ❤
Another great video. Straight to the point. Can't wait to try out everything I've learned !
Keep it up.
Thanks Steve! Hope it goes well! :)
So helpful!! Amazing videos! Thanks !!! :)
Thank you so much, happy you found it helpful! :)
This was really well explained and put together, thanks so much!
Thanks William! Glad it was helpful! :)
This is a perfect example proving that are the ability and the trained eye to get good cinematography, not the latest camera on the market.
Thanks so much Mattia!
Ok this is bizarre spent last night filming a night scene to try and work within the dynamic range of the camera. Turned out well but its suprising how much light you need to add in order for thing to still look dark.
Been thinking about getting a lantern for a while and its nice to see it being used in narrative stuff like this.
I know what my next purchase is
Absolutely, seems counter-intuitive at first, but generally cameras just don't see what we see and you need to give them a lot more light than you'd expect! It's a worthwhile purchase for sure! :)
@@RobEllisCinematographer agreed the night shot was done at f4 since one light couldn't be dimmed and I wanted that to be 6 stops under to cast light coming through a window. I then wanted to lift the room so there was some detail but not lit, that was 8 stops under.
If i shot at f2 the room just looked too bright, so glad i played for a bit. I did think shooting at f4 for a night scene would have been too much but actually worked well
Thank - very helpful!
Man, if we ever make a short film or feature length, I know who my gaffer and colorist is going to be 🙌
:D :D thanks man! :)
That Background music is key - thanks! God Bless
Artlist has some beautiful tracks!
Rob Ellis love these videos. Greatly appreciated
This is amazing, thank you for the great tips and also keep going man! Greetings from Colombia.
Thank you so much! :)
Loving the grade used for this
Thank you! :D
Your videos are class 👌👌👌
Thank you! :)
This is an excellent tutorial. Thank you for this.
Absolutely, thank you for watching! :)
Love it!
Thanks Danny! :)
Hi! Love your videos, always very useful and highly atmospheric :)
It will be very interesting if you make a video about how you start to create videos, how you learn about light, what moves you, your motivation, etc.
It will be very inspiring, i think.
Thank you so much! :) I've been considering making something like this for a while, but I'm always very dubious about more personal work like this, as I'm not sure how useful it would be for other people!
Hey Mr. Ellis? Thank you.
I watch your videos to make my art and animation more cinematic. Sure I am not a cameraman but this may help in the future.
Absolutely! Light is light - whether that's using light in photography, video or creating a representation of how light behaves in something like animation, it's all works! Happy to hear you're learning from my videos, thank you so much! :)
these videos are great! so helpful to learn about lighting. It seems so simple :D
Thank you! Glad they're helpful! :)
Great video!💯🔥
Love your videos
Thank you for video!!! For
support
Thank you for watching! :)
This is a masterpiece. I knew lighting was important but this just blew my mind. Thank you!!
Edit: I didn't see the color grading video on your website. Is it still available??
Happy to hear it! :) unfortunately I took that down a while ago as it doesn't really reflect the quality of my recent work!
@@RobEllisCinematographer Oh shoot, well if you ever get it back up or offer a new one, I'll sign up immediately. Thanks for the reply!