Different lighting techniques that are used in music videos

1. LIGHTING TECHNIQUES

2. SPOT LIGHT
This is a light that is pointed straight at the object or person and can light either
their whole body or just part of it. This is most commonly used in theatres. This
type of lighting creates shadows and can be used to make the music video
more dramatic. An example of a type of music vide that uses this lighting is
Spotlight by Jennifer Hudson. In this music video a spotlight is used to so that

3. NATURAL LIGHT
This is light that is made naturally from the sun and can light any part of the object or
person depending on where it is positioned. This type of lighting creates shadows and
can be used to make the music video more dramatic and adds more feeling and
atmosphere to it. An example of a type of music video that uses this lighting is Glad You
Came by The Wanted. It is used in this scene this type of light is used when they are
jumping into the sea. This makes the scene look more authentic and seem more realistic.

4. HIGH LIGHT
This is when the light that is positioned above the object or person and can
light either their whole body or just part of it. This type of lighting creates
shadows and can be used to make the music video more dramatic. This can
often be created by street lamps. An example of a type of music video that uses
this lighting is There's Nothing Holding Me Back by Shawn Mendes. In this
music video the lights help to create a scene change and add atmosphere to
the concert scene making it seem more realistic.

5. SIDE LIGHT
This is a light that is pointed at the side object or person and it lights the only
one side of their face. This type of lighting creates shadows and can be used to
make the music video more dramatic. An example of a type of music video that
uses this is One by Ed Sheeran. This lights half of his face giving effect to the
music video. This grabs the audiences attention and helps to retain it
throughout the music video.

6. LOW LIGHT
This is when the light that is positioned below at the object or person and can light either
their whole body or just part of it. This type of lighting creates shadows over the persons
face and is used to create effect. An example of a type of music video that uses this type
of lighting is ‘Beauty and the Beast’ from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast performed by
Ariana Grande and John Legend. This music video begins outside and reflects how the
main characters felt about each other in the beginning. It becomes lighter when they are
inside which reflects how they now feel about each other. The lighting is used to create a
mood and atmosphere for the music video. The Low lighting also helps to set the scene.

7. BACK LIGHT
This is when the light that is positioned behind at the object or person and can light
either their whole body or just part of it. This type of lighting creates shadows over the
persons face and is used to create effect. An example of a type of music vide that uses
this type of lighting is Read All About It by Emile Sande performed by Attraction Shadow
Group. This lighting is used to tell the story through shadows and makes it more
emotional and mesmerise the audience. It sticks in their minds so they remember the

8. SPLIT LIGHT
Split lighting is a technique that produces a sense of drama to the music video. This form
of lighting is when half of the subject's face is lit, while the other half is left dark. The light
is evenly divided over the subject. An example of a music video that uses this type of
lighting is `Rewrite the Stars’ By Zendaya and Zac Efron from the Greatest Showman. This
is used on both of the characters in this music video and represents them both feeling
the same way. It is very dramatic and low lit adding to the scene. This make the audience
feel uncomfortable as they cannot see the whole scene and do no know what is going to
happen.

9. LOOP LIGHT
Loop lighting is a portrait lighting pattern where the subject is lit from above 45 degrees
in front of them and above. This creates a nose shadow that loops down at an angle
onto their cheek. It is slightly directional light pattern – the light is not flat, but the face is
still mostly illuminated. An example of a type of music video that uses this type of
lighting is ‘Paradise’ by George Ezra. This music video revolves heavily around different
lighting effects and this effect is used when the camera is focuses on just his face. It adds
definition to the video while still allowing the audience to see his whole face.