2 Essential Lighting Techniques

Flags and negative fill are vital tools to use when controlling light - whether that's natural light, or your own artificial light. Blocking light using flags and other black material allows us to control the direction and spill of a light source. We can also block light to create shape on the face, in the form of negative fill.

By understanding the usage of flags and negative fill in natural light, we're better able to implement these ideas and processes when working with our own light - better replicating the way light works in reality and allowing us to light for both natural and stylistic looks, whilst retaining control over our image.

This is just one aspect of what can contribute toward a cinematic feeling - check out the other episodes in the Lighting for Cinema A - Z series to learn more about what makes cinema feel a certain way:

Lenses used:

Samyang 14mm t/3.1 VDSLR MK2
Samyang 35mm t/1.5 VDSLR MK2
Samyang 24mm t/1.5 VDSLR MK2
Samyang 50mm t/1.5 VDSLR MK2

Cameras used:

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
Panasonic Lumix S5 (BTS)

Lights used in the video:

Nanlite Pavoslim 120C
Nanlite Forza 60C
Nanlite FC-60B

Video Contents:

0:00 Light Spills Everywhere
0:21 Controlling Natural Light Outdoors
1:37 Controlling Natural Light Indoors
2:54 How Useful Can Flags Be?
3:59 Putting Light Control into Practice
8:36 The Power of Light Control

[khirobenglia]

man you are helping all filmmakers around the world and for that i thank you

[testowykana]

I think this is my favourite channel when it comes to lighting. I like how quick yet informative these lighting tips are.

[elineev]

You are such a good educator. Very insightful and explained perfectly. Nothing too much or too little. Clean and clear. Thanks so much

[eyosiasg.]

Rob, I have been watching you for 2 years now. I think you have the best lighting tutorial videos I have ever seen—such attention to detail and logical progression. Thank you for helping us improve!

[carlobortoli]

The man who never smiles, but always teaches us a lot.

[johnstewart]

Rob, I used to work in feature, local, national, and indie productions, as a gaffer, Dp, an electrician. On smaller shoots I would work as G&E. I have day played on several feature films such as " Need For Speed, October Sky, just to name a couple. " Your lighting skills are spot on for any production. I hope you are getting to use these amazing skills in production. You are very talented, and really understand how lighting, or the lack of light works. Your knowledge of lighting is remarkable. I always look forward to your videos. Thank you for sharing!

[cheesi]

i was blown away when you revealed that table scene was all natural light. i didnt expect that at all! incredible video as always.

[BehindThePhoto]

Your videos are simply some of the best educational filmmaking tutorials on the web. Sincere thanks 📽🙌🙏

[FenzirL]

The amount of effort put into such tutorials is massive!
And the fact that we are able to watch it for free is mindblowing!
I have been able to learn alot of filmmaking and lighting techniques from you! Big thanks from the bottom of my heart! 🙌🏻

[cfsactor]

Beyond techniques and practices, you are incredibly effective at showing us what we should be looking for in our frame when shaping the light.

[DulinaChandrasiri]

Who needs film school when you have Rob Ellis! Thankyou 🙏

[bulletintubeofficial]

You are Amazing ♥Don't stop making videos, it's a Big help for Filmmaker around the World ! I have a Request can you please make Something in Zero budget as most beginners don't have budget so we need a Zero budget Lighting Tutorial

[jochenretter]

Now I have an idea how much work one single shot can be for a cinematographer, impressive!

[KaanSenel]

Always super excited when you post a new video. You're the goat of cinematography - lighting on YouTube my man, thanks for these!

[ruancarlodop]

Cant thank you enough. Thanks for being my inspiration for the past years.

[-Films]

You are a true legend Rob! Every time you drop a video I look forward to watching it and I am never disappointed!

[verebellus]

love your use of different cameras and older ones specifically, cant even tell that you swap vetween them

[jayanthonyolson]

Your breakdowns are so good. Thank you for making these!

[Visethelegend]

I swear this and Wandering Dp are the best cinematography channels out there and I’ve watched a lot of content.

[Bradleersmith]

I am a cinematographer from Jamaica and I am learning so much from your videos tbh ❤