Every Film maker should know some basic techniques about Lighting Metal Objects, not using these techniques could result in some badly produced images.How do you light a gun or a teapot or anything else that is shiny and metallic? Here are a few tips that would guide you when lighting metallic objects.
Direct Light is a Big No-No
In a short video, J. P Morgan of The Slanted Lens, says “metal wants reflection not direct light.”
Have you ever shined a bright light on a metal surface? It’s bright and not cute.
What you want, most likely, is a nice, soft light that accentuates and flatters your subject, whether it’s a gun, teapot, or sexy robot model. So, instead of pointing your lights directly onto your subject, try bouncing it off of a modifier or throwing on a softbox.
Light Your Subject on the Angle of Incidence
Since direct light is a big no-no, you should light your subject with indirect light on the Angle of Incidence.
Imagine your subject is a mirror. The Angle of Incidence is the angle created by your light source and the “normal”, the imaginary line that runs perpendicular to the mirror. Why is it important? Well, because on the other side of the normal is the Angle of Reflection, which is always equal to the Angle of Incidence. So, if you point your light source toward the mirror at a 45-degree angle, that light is going to reflect at the same angle.
Hope you found these tips helpful, please, feel free to leave a comment.
Source: https://nofilmschool.com/key-concepts-lighting-metal
