How To Use The 'Cove' Light For Natural Looking Cinematic Lighting

So this is a technique you sometimes see Roger Deakins using in his work - the "cove" of lighting around your subject, allows you to light for a natural looking, graduated fall off of light on the face. The versatility of the setup allows you to tweak the power levels of each bounced light to easily adjust your contrast ratios on the subject, allowing for moodier, darker looks, or softer, brighter looks. You have a big soft light in your scene, without needing the extra room or expenses to shoot super powerful lights through huge pieces of diffusion. A very useful technique!

Camera:
Blackmagic Cinema Camera 2.5K

Lenses:
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 ART

Hoya UV/IR Cut Filter
Genus Eclipse Variable ND Filter
Metabones Nikon - BMCC Speedbooster

#filmmaking #cinematic #lighting

[fermixx]

this dude really knows whats hes doing, this is really cinematic, vs other youtubers suggesting to shoot in 60fps and using teal and orange luts...

[EpicLightMedia]

I’m very impressed. It’s like you care about teaching instead of showing off.

[MrAdamChristopher]

this is some of the best content ive ever seen

[obscurity_films]

I was no joke thinking this morning, "I wish someone would do a tutorial of that bounce technique Roger Deakins uses", and then bam, Rob delivers.

[pnproduction]

You are hands down the best lighting/cinematography resource that I've come across on Youtube. Thank you.

[aaronthecameraguy]

This is like a masterclass in cinematography taught by Tom Hardy's brother

[subhanshu]

From 3:37 due to that background rhythm, I felt like I am watching a Film that teaches Film Making. Amazing x 3!

[andrewlutes]

This is the first one of these lighting tutorials I’ve seen where the narrator says “this is looking great” and it’s actually looking great.

[joeblizzy]

Man I really love that you show the whole lighting process and include diagrams... this kind of knowledge is invaluable. Keep up the great work man it really means a lot to us!

[Davinchi]

The easiest and simplest type of cinematography I have seen on the Internet, thanks for this kind of videos. Low-budget filmmakers appreciate it

[markbone]

Great work Rob. I love Deakins cove light technique. He is an absolute legend.

[ekredel]

I’ve just watched five of your videos and I can honestly say I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed youtube videos this much

[markrobinson]

I just want to comment on the background music SO Good that it does not interfere with the fine tutorial content.... low volume "There but not there" So many of these just slap pre program music without thought !
I didn't just stumble on this video I've come back many times to reacquaint myself to the lighting technique ... not run and gun but good if the budget is there

[RepeatFactor]

This video is literally that ONE video you should never forget. It’s so so good.

Thanks so much for this.

[christoph]

This video actually helped me lighting my passport photos!😂

[Praxiszooms]

FANTASTIC TECHNIQUE BEAUTIFULLY EXPLAINED - GREAST EXAMPLLES AND PERFECT MOODY MUSIC!!!

[beekenko]

Blackmagic owes this man a sponsorship... please start a patreon please

[ShoaybKhattab]

Your tutorials are literally one of the best tutorials I have ever seen on youtube

[jensuferiufermedia]

great explanation. I have learnt a lot. I am a TV DOP since 30 years. Well done!

[hellohogo]

I absolutely love these videos not because they show great lighting techniques, but how they teach you to THINK about great lighting techniques.