Lighting

Before using any equipment, as a class we explored the health and safety issue of using a camera, tripod and lighting. In groups of three, we placed the camera onto the tripod and experimented with using it. We also  experimented with two different types of light; dimmed light and natural light.

Dimmed light:

• Symbolises a cold atmosphere
• Expresses the genre horror/ thriller

Lighting creates different affects and moods. The type of light could also portray a particular genre. Lighting focuses on characters facial expressions and emotions and it emphasizes their movement. We used the lighting above someone's head, behind their head and infront of their face. We zoomed in for particular shots, such as close ups and we zoomed out for other shots such as long shots.

Types of Camera Shots

Extreme long shot:

• Known as an establishing shot
• Its purpose is to let the audience know where and whenthe scene is taking place
• It is often an exterior shot; outside setting
• Any characters may be visible but only from a distance.

Long shot:

• Usually follows an establishing shot
• The audience see the character from head to toe
• It shows the relationship between the character and the environment/setting

Mid shot:

• Shows half a characters body. (waist upwards)
• Shows the characters body language and facial expressions in more detail
• Audience becomes more familiar with the character

Close ups:

• Shows the shoulders and upwards of a character
• The audience can see the characters emotions more clearly
• They enable you to focus on the chracters facial expressions

Extreme close up:

• Shows only the characters face
• The camera may focus on a particular feature (the eyes)
• Draws the audiences attention to the characters facial expressions
• They add intensity to the scene as it blocks out the background and other characters
• The focus is completly on a particular character