Lighting Seminar 1

Display Schedule

Subject guarantor

Klaus FUXJÄGER

Name of lecturer(s)

Klaus FUXJÄGER

Department

The subject provides Department of Cinematography

Contents

Course Content:

Functions of light in filming:

1. Light as the fundamental technical prerequisite for creating an optical image
2. Light as a source of information regarding the properties of objects within the scene—specifically their texture and reflectivity
3. Light as a means of artistically stylizing the optical image
4. Continuity

Light:

From a cinematographer's perspective, light and its exposure effect can be evaluated based on three aspects:

1. Quality

a) quality determined by spectral composition,

b) quality determined by the nature of the light source (point source vs. diffuse source).

1. Direction

a) enhancing or suppressing the perception of spatial depth in the image

b) reinforcing or obscuring the perception of the actual shapes and volumes of the objects being filmed.

1. Intensity

a) intensity of a single source and modification via distance

b) composition of intensities from multiple sources: key light, fill light, and accent/auxiliary light.

Practical exposure measurement:

1. Analysis of scene lighting ratios using a lux meter
2. Analysis of scene lighting based on luminance structure—spot metering

Light sources and lighting fixtures:

1. Means of altering the spectral composition of artificial light sources
2. Means of altering the character of the light (diffusers, grids)
3. Control of the emitted light beam characteristics: convergence vs. divergence

Basic lighting concepts:

Surface reflectance factor, exposure effect, exposure lighting, lighting ratio

Methodology for designing stage lighting:

1. Style imitating primary lighting reality
2. Style of professional convention – a departure from strict lighting logic
3. Lighting activity serving to reinforce meaningful gestures within the dramatic effect, including the creative application of both aesthetic values ​​and an unconventional character

GUIDELINES FOR PRACTICAL EXERCISES – seminar LIGHTING 1 + 2

• All images in black and white

• No post-production: brightness adjustments only; no local masking, no contrast correction

• Use a spot meter and keep a log (record). Take behind-the-scenes (BTS) shots during the shoot.

• Submit successful final photographs that result from testing, experimentation, and discovery. Each photograph should be a unique work with its own atmosphere and setup, not merely a variation.

• Lighting, composition, camera angle, subject choice, styling, etc., should express the author's intent: these are not technical tests, but artistic explorations.

• Students shoot using their own digital cameras with manual control over all functions. • Naming convention: firstNameLASTNAMEyymmdd a.jpg (use a, b, c for variants)

Example: AdamEVA221105a.jpg

• Maximum size: 1 MB

• Format: JPG

LIGHT AND FACE – digital stills in studio

Lighting a human face

basic concepts of lighting, framing and composition; three-point lighting; light as dramatic tool;

interaction of object and background

• Realization in Cinematographer’s Studio, Lažanský Palace

• Medium close up portraits

1st part: natural light from window, different background

a) main light only, its modulation and exposure

b) main and fill light

2nd part: light from artificial sources, different backgrounds

a) c) main light only, its modulation and exposure

b) main and fill light

main, fill and auxiliary light

to be delivered three pieces:

a) atmosphere 1

b) atmosphere 2

c) atmosphere 3

Deadline for submission: continuously till the penultimate seminar in december

Learning outcomes

The course is designed to acquaint with the theory and practice of lighting in film and television. The starting point of the study is the knowledge and analysis of daylight and non- daylight situations given by natural sources. The course continues by getting acquainted with the properties of lighting means in terms of their usability to imitate natural and artificial sources.

Teaching is accompanied by demonstrations of lighting constructions both in real environments and in studio with objects of basic importance (human face, figure).

Special attention is paid to lighting linked with the properties of recording media, thus introducing practical exponometry.

Prerequisites and other requirements

Knowledge of culture of visual imaging in historical context.

Physics and especially optics at the appropriate secondary school level

Basic experience as a cameraman, ability to handle basic film tasks

Digital and analog camera with all manual functions

Luxmeter and spotmeter

Literature

american cinematographer’s manual

Sven Nykvist, “Reverence for the light” 1997

D. Schaefer and L. Salvato, “Masters of light” 1984

F. Truffaut, “le cinema selon Hitchcock” 1966

K. Malkiewicz, “film lighting” 1986

D. Samuelson, “motion picture, camera and lighting equipment” 1980

Evaluation methods and criteria

Required seminar attendance: 80%

To receive credit, students must submit the required photographs, which must demonstrate that they have understood the lecture material and are able to apply it in practice.

Active participation in the seminar, as well as the accuracy and quality of practical exercises, are prerequisites for receiving a grade.

Note

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Schedule for winter semester 2026/2027:

• Week view
• List

Schedule for summer semester 2026/2027:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

The subject is a part of the following study plans

• Cinematography_3_2021 (Required subjects)