Skin Texturing Via Lighting Techniques

[spankyoldman]

What an introductory post this shall be, considering that I am jumping right into asking incessant amounts of inquiries to the experienced lighting designers that allot this forum! My given name is truly Samuel Prime, but Mort is preferable at this time. At age 16, I already have roughly four years of stage lighting underneath my belt. It's been a long way coming, but I am now more engaged than ever in what may prove to be my eventual profession.

Recently, I have been hired to serve as Lighting Director for an independent film being shot in-and-around my hometown, titled Locked Away. A zombie film in nature, this will be my introduction into Film Lighting. Considering this is a forum based upon the usage/design/application of the specific camera instrument that we will make use of, the director suggested that I join and ask any questions necessary. Here's hoping for the best of help.

Shooting zombies will require extreme detail to be shown upon each and every one's bodily figure. To express and represent these features, I need to know precisely how to show the slender, recessed stomach, extended, prominent ribcabe. Thus far a reflected, soft sidelight comes to mind to accentuate curvature of the face, accompanied by a bit of hard light coming from up low, to shadow the full face/ribs of the creature. Are there any lights that we should specifically invest in? Techniques? Please be of assistance, if possible. Thanks!

 

[Scottdvx100]

Re: Skin Texturing Via Lighting Techniques

Think about what you're trying to show and how to make it standout. Large stomach should probably be shot profile so you can tell it's distended. Rib cages would be shown with hard light since you need the shadows to give visual clues to shwo the ribs. Soft light would tend to diminish them. That's why most portraits are shot with somewhat soft light- fewer wrinkles visible.

Do a makeup/lighting test ahead of time. Try different lighting and different angles so on the day you can nail it.

 

[Slapdragon]

Re: Skin Texturing Via Lighting Techniques

Get a cheap digital camera, and start playing with lighting setups on a barbie doll (I **** thee not). The still images are useful to work with on a computer, and it is easier to play with tin foil and various household lamps to start than the real deal.