LIGHTING
WORDS Katie Kasperson
ILLUMINATING DIVERSITY The production industry has always struggled with inherent bias. Thanks in large part to technological advancements in lighting, we’re finally seeing inclusivity on-screen
W arm or cool, hard or soft, natural or practical – lighting is a balancing act. It’s key to defining the mood of a given character, scene or story, creating deeper meaning via a simple visual cue and subconsciously guiding viewers towards a certain emotion or conclusion. At its most basic level, lighting is about making actors look good, and it should always be tailored to whatever’s in front of the camera. Each actor’s skin tone will interact with the light source, absorbing and reflecting it in a distinct way. When working with a diverse cast, a one-size- fits-all approach won’t do anyone justice; luckily, cinematographers can employ several techniques to ensure accurate on-screen representation. TIPS AND TRICKS Tunji Akinsehinwa – cinematographer, documentary filmmaker and lecturer – shares how creatives can manipulate light to best portray various skin tones, and by extension, best tell diverse stories. The first practical technique – and perhaps the oldest in the book – is to moisturise. “Dark skin tones absorb light, so to mitigate that, the moisturiser reflects the light,” explains Akinsehinwa. Another trick is to use a polariser, a filter which reduces reflections and glare. Polarisers work best in naturally lit environments, accentuating highlights without them becoming too bright. On
THE BASICS FOR HOW TO LIGHT FOR DARK SKIN TONES can be taught in a few hours ”
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