In Lesson 2, Paul Atkins, ASC, transfers what he taught in Lesson 1 into a very simple and everyday outdoors situation during harsh sunlight. He deals with getting an acceptable image and explains why he recommends always shooting into the sun outdoors. Paul touches on how to adjust for various skin complexions in outdoor lighting, and how to get more contrast even on light skin tones when the sun is out. In conversation with the students, they also discuss what to do if it’s overcast and how to change the setup. The importance of having eyelight is mentioned and explained how to achieve it in any situation. Diffusing sunlight is shown in practice with frames and diffusion. The students ask practical questions from documentary shooting outdoors - how to shoot interviews on a boat, for example. Paul also goes into practical considerations like choosing the right time of day for an interview, the right location, the right clothing for interviewees, and so on. Lighting is also creating shade when needed to create contrast, especially outside, and using reflectors to create a natural looking image without artificial light (or as a fill light).
Description
In this 4-hour course, master cinematographers Stephen Lighthill, ASC, and Paul Atkins, ASC, share their tips and tricks for on-location lighting, both indoors and outdoors. This is particularly relevant for documentary filmmakers, who often have to work with what’s available in terms of location. Having worked as DPs in the industry for many decades, Paul and Stephen share a wealth of experience and knowledge with a diverse group of filmmakers, and the MZed audience has an exclusive chance to be part of that workshop.
This course was filmed in Austria as part of the Jackson Wild Summit. You can watch the other course with Stephen and Paul, The Wildlife Cinematography Workshop, for free on MZed as well.
About the
Educator
Paul Atkins, ASC & Stephen Lighthill, ASC
Cinematographers
2 Courses
Paul Atkins and Stephen Lighthill, both ASC members, are distinguished cinematographers recognized for their contributions to documentary and feature filmmaking, with Atkins known for his environmental narratives and Lighthill for his mentorship and influence in the industry.
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