Lighting

[deepbreathunder]

Could some one tell me please, how one measures light when deciding the depth of emotion for a particular scene? Some scenes just come out.... 'empty' if the lighting is not included, among the detail, along with the emotion of the characters. I've noticed there's no exception nor is there a way to make up for incorrect lighting. It can not be compensated.
Or... am I wrong? If I am...how?

 

[Kim Welch]

I apologize for the delay in responding, and thank you for posting. You're right that lighting carries emotion, and it's very hard to fix in post if it's wrong on set. Cinematographers measure exposure with a light meter or the camera's false color and waveform, but the emotion comes from contrast ratio (key to fill), direction, color and how much of the frame falls into shadow. A high contrast ratio with deep shadows feels tense or intimate, while soft, even light feels open and safe. Watch a favorite scene with the sound off and notice where the light comes from and how it changes.