How to Develop Your Visual Style | Realistic vs. Stylistic Lighting Explained

[@valentinavee]

Thank you so much for such a positive response to this video! We worked really hard on this new format and I'm blown away by the feedback!

[@aputurelighting]

😍

[@creekboi]

thank you so much for this mean so much

[@awzone2552]

you r so beautiful that i wanna go for a date with you . .. :) and plzz keep creating this type of amazing videos..

[@JackMajor]

More stuff like this :)

[@mostafaMnagy]

That is an amazing video, filled with excellent tips, tricks and valuable info. Excellent resource.

[@jacksonjackson9474]

Learned more in this 17 minute video, than I did in 100 hours of KZbin tutorials. This is dam near a perfect instructional. She's one of the best in the business. Kudos to Aputure.

[@YCImaging]

Dope Setups! You killed it

[@Rolypopoly]

You are clearly still a young man, despite your many accomplishments! (see my earlier comment…)

[@aputurelighting]

😍

[@johnnythunder8382]

it is you

[@bimatvug]

Yeah... this got me! It was LIT

[@Kaileecristina]

One of my favorite things about watching your tutorials is that you always explain everything, including the basics of why or how to set things up. I learn SO much, so thank you! Also holy cow that last shot especially was incredible!!

[@Loqu4]

Loving the new longer format. It’s way easier to follow with V sharing her thought process and reasoning including trouble shooting etc Also love that you include infos on the type of grip and diffusion used, I always had to scroll back and rewatch to find out what was being used

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you for the input!

[@MchangaS]

This is packed with useful information! Thanks.

[@bimatvug]

Disturbingly enough, you can only know when you watch it...

[@rowliv]

Wow. This girl is on fire. Lighting, camera moves, directing. What can't she do🤯🤯🤯. By the way, I have a bar shoot this Friday,...so....you know awesome the timing for this video is.

[@aputurelighting]

Let us know how it turns out!

[@eddydrouet1888]

@@aputurelighting RIP, he ded

[@alexanderashmore]

I like this a lot. This method of getting into the thoughts and process making the shots from V is great and her knowledge and use of terms is proven and showcased by the final shot.

[@aputurelighting]

Glad to hear!

[@samr_-zi6zm]

@@aputurelighting Can you make a review video for the cinematic pictures and the colors for this movie. " The Lady Of heaven" 2M views at trailer

[@ImanKamil]

Nice. Not just learn the lights, but also the camera shot

[@theloveproductions]

V is one of my favorite DP's. You've really helped me understand so many principles of lighting.

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you!

[@mkelly01]

Wow, this style is so much better than the old 4-minute videos you used to make! The production value is top shelf.

[@ShunguRocks]

This is the first video I’m watching from this channel and about light. I really appreciate the insights and simple explanations and naming of all the equipment while you were setting up. I also liked how you had the picture at the end of the scenes and showed us how each light contributed to the shot. I learnt a lot. Thank you and shout outs from Zimbabwe 🇿🇼.

[@aputurelighting]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@cn3435]

The lighting is making the c70 look killer. My go to lighting setup at the moment is a cove light. Has been a little boot leg but even so complements the actor so so soooo well! Great video, really enjoyed 💥

[@aputurelighting]

Love the cove light technique!!

[@cn3435]

@@aputurelighting for the win!

[@redgreen445]

V is the best teacher in the biz. I've learned so much from her videos.

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you!!

[@renaissancemedia4208]

Absolutely one of the best videos you guys have ever put out. The new format is welcome with open arms. More! The people want more!

[@valentinavee]

Yay! So happy to hear it works.

[@andreaslovestocook]

I only recently discovered this channel so I don’t have an “old” point of reference. I will however answer your question. I LOVE this format. This was so much fun to watch. So educational. Your presentation was flawless. I really felt like I was inside your mind and understood why you were making the choices you made. I’m working on lighting my kitchen for some cooking videos. I want to make them cinematic and somewhat moody. This was extremely helpful. Thank you Valentina!

[@MichaelWootten]

These lighting breakdown videos by Aputure are SO underrated. Always look forward to learning something new every time. Also, Valentina is a bamf! I do a lot of doc-like work and personally also love shooting wide. I like the visual context it gives to a subject's location!

[@aputurelighting]

That's so great to hear!!

[@chiragmota7199]

i watched your first video (which is obviously this one) and i feel like why i didn't got recommendation of your channel before :( you are really great at it and i'm sure your videos are gonna help me a lot to learn cinematography and techniques. Thank You so much !!! - Love from INDIA

[@MansSuperPower]

Let it be known that I love this lady. Been watching her vids for the past week and I’m learning a lot from her. She’s an expert. Her hair is fun itself. Thanks for the practical insights. Thank you!!

[@studybytes5505]

I love how you give little Tips throughout the video that aren't exactly related to the content, but will help in all facets of filming.

[@skolxmedia]

Nice format, love using gels to give an almost otherworldly feel to scenes.

[@aputurelighting]

Gels make us well!

[@greciacarminagutierrezflor1492]

I am so thankful for your videos, I can't afford film school and your work is helping me to fulfill my dream.

[@aputurelighting]

OH MY GOSH YOU ARE SO WELCOME!!! - Valentina

[@joshlockhartnetwork]

This was next level. I found this vid in a rabbit hole and it had more gems than I was prepared to intake. I am definitely going to re-watch a few times because every single second had priceless information. Thank you for this.

[@rethy6389]

Vee is always awesome to watch in her element, and though I don’t consider myself a filmmaker in any capacity, watching her work makes it feel approachable and fun, great shots and great video!

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you!!

[@lilafromyoutube]

Vee, you CRUSHED IT! My goodness, this video is SO good!

[@alwin3705]

Welp this video just solidified my absolute love for lighting and my dream of being a DP!

[@alwin3705]

Also please do more videos like this!! This is so incredibly helpful and exactly what I've been looking for!

[@ConnerFoxx]

The new format is excellent, this felt like one of the better episodes as of late. I really enjoyed how you touched on real thought behind blocking, production design, camera movement, composition, etc... all before really getting into the lighting. Lighting is SO important, but it isn't a magic bullet that makes any shot look good. This video really shows how a good shot is the amalgamation of small choices (lighting based or otherwise) that don't seem to make a huge difference on their own, coming together into something great. That, in and of itself, made this a really good lighting tutorial -- The viewer is shown what lighting does do, what it doesn't do, and how every detail matters. Great video! As far as what stylistic choices I like to implement in my filmmaking.. ..it's hard to say, because I'm always searching for something new to make my work look better than it did last time, or increase how versatile I can be. I'm currently experimenting with using strong diffusion/halation filters, because they force you to think about lighting differently. Anything particularly bright is going to have a huge glow around it, and you can use that to bleed light and colors around the frame in interesting ways. In a recent short I DP'd, a glowing red window in a dream represents something the main character is afraid of. By using a strong halation filter, I was able to have that red glow wrap around the character sitting/standing in front of it, almost as if this thing they fear is consuming them and/or creeping into them (If that visual description doesn't make any sense, this short film is my most recent upload, and you can see the red window about 24 seconds in). Strong halation has the potential to just look annoying, but in trying to motivate it, I find myself doing things with the light that I might not have thought of otherwise.

[@monicasibaja3630]

Your teaching is SO apreciated. When I shot u tend to focus a lot on detail

[@MarkAfterDark]

Yeah loving the new format. I think it's important to show the process from start to finish and help the viewer get into the head of the Director/DP/Gaffer for a shoot since, lighting is everything.

[@aputurelighting]

TOTALLY agree!

[@valentinavee]

Good to hear, and thank you for the feedback!

[@westcoastvisuals]

The fact that you guys are doing these videos together with awesome products is why I am and always will be an Aputure user!

[@aputurelighting]

Great to hear!!

[@KonoBoyFilms]

Excellent work, Valentina? I love the new format. Walking us through the setup, style, approach, and problem-solving is super helpful. Keep 'em coming Aputure. Keep 'em coming.

[@robbyubisi4294]

i enjoy your longer videos, not to say the short one are not informative but the long ones just give me

[@aputurelighting]

Thanks for the input!

[@TittiPotestaBP]

Thank you Valentina! I have a bar shoot tomorrow and this video came at the precise time. Thank you for sharing your talent!!!

[@modelrocket506]

Well done. Really makes me want to invest in additional lights. One of my favorite moves is to dirty the foreground with an object or person. I like the feeling that we're looking in on something and that not everything has been revealed yet.

[@MossCoveredBonez]

With an upcoming narrative project these videos are REALLY helpful. I'm sure after studying enough setups I'll get a better idea of what lights I need to invest in first

[@TylerDorety]

I loved this format so much! More natural flowing, and every single question answered! Keep it up!

[@lauddp1150]

Loving this new style of video! One thing I love doing with my lights is adding movement to them, whether that’s manned by a crew member or set on something like a Dana dolly or slider. Moving lights with some sort of pattern like a cookie always adds some interest to a “boring” scene. Looking forward to more of these types of vids! Keep it up!

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you! We absolutely will.

[@MrNEWLAND66]

Is that a slider/dolly that you can buy or some sort of DIY thing? Looks serious mind. Love the format of the video. Valentina, this is what I asked you about a week or two ago and you said to keep an eye out for it. Proper lighting techniques for filmmaking and not just vlogging and youtube lighting like most describe in their videos. I want to learn how to be behind the camera making films not how to light myself. More of this please. Much more! In terms of my stylistic choices... Much prefer the filmic/cinematic looking shots similar to what you did in the first setup. That is the kind of thing I really shoot for. Although with a far more limited setup than this.

[@tylram]

Best episode yet!!!! Thanks VV!

[@ThongNguyen-fl9jp]

Love the new format! Also the more personality-revealing jokes like, “When you use gels, you will be wells.” Eatables a personal connection with the funny. You’re not selling just lights, you’re selling feelings, I think.

[@aputurelighting]

Yes! Thanks for the input!

[@felixsmittick9128]

What a wonderful lighting and cinematography tutorial. Thank you Valentina.

[@aputurelighting]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@mikeBoun]

Would love to see more of these thanks!

[@uchihaXshinoda]

i loved this!!! i its almazing how a little set design can completely transform your image, especially when combined with stylistic lights! One of things which i love doing in my films is a pull focus from an object to the subject of the frame!

[@aputurelighting]

Production design is SO important!

[@creatingaphotographer3187]

I love working the lights up from black, particularly trying to build a scene from dimmer light sources, getting the punch of dynamics in-camera, before the grade. Especially bouncing the light around with endless mirrors, metallic surfaces and glass hidden in the scene - you'd be amazed how far a good glass collection will take you!

[@valentinavee]

How do you mount the glass?

[@creatingaphotographer3187]

@@valentinavee I may be signing everyone up to a bit of a headache, oops... Sorry! Double Smallrig clamps to attach to edges of surfaces, or singles with tripod thread mounts to attach to other fixtures, I make wooden feet for glass panes that are flat, sometimes use drinking glasses etc to hide them as almost 'practical' bounces, and avoid letting anything stand unsupported wherever I can. It can be fiddly, but once the core of the scene is setup, it's a lovely way to just add tiny details that are almost missable, that just add a little something to make your scene/shot have a bit of magic to it.

[@creatingaphotographer3187]

I usually do things that are a bit more involved, building things into reusable fixtures /lighting props, like hot glueing cheaper glass to recycle it into little bounce panels etc, and just melting them to reuse if I need to, but i dont want to sign anyone up for more effort than I already have! It'd definitely be way easier sneaking them in through sensible objects that belong in the scene than doing my elbow-grease heavy way about it.

[@jeffschwisow]

Great video! Some specific techniques and tech info but also some cool philosophical ideas. Keep em coming!

[@Genuinely_edwin]

These episodes are awesome! Please continue these!

[@LifeOfRiza]

Wow great job on this new format!! It's very thorough and also love the set up diagram you included. For someone like me with not a lot of experience this was easy to follow and understand. I learned so much from this episode and Valentina absolutely killed it 🙌🏼🔥

[@aputurelighting]

Glad you found it useful!!

[@jaredfilms]

I‘d love to go for a moody golden hour and lowkey style with either a real jalousie or used in a Gobo to create that texture and interest in my lighting. Through cinematography I somehow started to love the color orange 🌞

[@wasislos]

Nice setups. Thanks Valentina Vee!

[@FacetheMuzikEntertainment]

I love shooting from different camera angles and with different lenses to get better depth about the characters. I think it helps reveals what the characters are going through at that moment, to help complete the story. Love the tutorials keep up the great work. Thank you!

[@AaronMarasigan]

having such limited lighting equipment im used to utilizing natural light/window light and bounced light and having some blackout curtains to help control it. that "keep grip head on the right" tip was the MOST helpful how come i never figured that out!

[@moniquemortonderouselle6846]

I am a screenwriter new to directing. I'm gearing up to direct my 3rd short film with a bigger budget, more lighting, etc. So this video is very helpful. I noticed I have used a lot of pans and trucks. I would love if you could do a video on the specifics of lighting black people for realistic light and moody light.

[@alfonsojarago]

I recommend you google the cinematographer of Insecure and their lighting work specifically for black skin. It's 🔥 🔥🔥

[@otabwill709]

I came for the “if you have gels.. you’ll be.. well..-s” quote. I was not disappointed.

[@GermanDisla]

Something I like to do, for an opportunity to win a light, is creat the feeling of a “single” source. For example. In these bar scenes you could create a mood where most of the light is coming from the outside windows, and the rest of the lighting is just accents. IE; some neon colors for backlighting, or some use of lamps, but most of your light is from the window. Then you can create a moody looking set and add gags like headlights passing or people walking by etc. so although it’s darker and moodier, your outside key source create some life to the image :)! Thanks and I hope I win!! Love your products!

[@noirprism]

As a film maker I love my shadows, I like for my lighting to direct the viewer to what’s important in the frame. My light tells a story.

[@aputurelighting]

Well said!

[@ronshinall]

I like your video format. For my projects I usually like a creatively lit background, good key lighting to separate the subject from the background, and good fill lighting - but not too much so that it eliminates the contrast.

[@aputurelighting]

Great tips!

[@threethroneproductions5498]

The walk throughs are a must. Thank you

[@keithsummers_]

Good combo of info. Stressing the importance of lighting and camera shots. My initial reaction was, “I can’t afford all this.” But then I then as I kept watching, and got over myself, I realized how practical the info is in thinking of creative ways to light subjects and manipulate light. I like the idea of the big bounce board so you can have the light source low and out of frame but sill get some good lighting. Thanks!

[@valentinavee]

I'm glad! I get the "this is too expensive" comment so often, and it has put me off of creating more in-depth tutorials for many years.

[@keithsummers_]

@@valentinavee Oh no! Your tutorials are great! I spent an hour or so last night messing around with 2 point lighting in my little studio room. I have these 2 Fovitec studio pro soft boxes and then a small LED square light. I think the room is too small so I messed around with the two soft boxes and messed around with their position. I kept trying to use them in the trad 3 point lighting setup, but after watching the video I decided to just mess around with their placement. Looks good.

[@bryceambrose9913]

I am always a fan of allowing natural light be my source. Letting a single source be my motivation and characterizing the shadows. I love a film noir look. So less is more, using lighting to accentuate what is already there.

[@taylorrowson3961]

Yes please! More videos like this, absolutely fantastic

[@aputurelighting]

There's more to come :)

[@befilmmaker2876]

Love real world advice from experienced operator. Thanks for clear insight into process

[@MansSuperPower]

I’m receiving a lot of value from these videos. She’s dope. Thanks Lady for explaining and helping us understand.

[@nathanwahl7741]

holy smokes. that was amazing to see. she knows her stuff.

[@902MediaUK]

awesome walkthrough, diggin' it 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@prabirkumarsen4922]

This new format is just awwsome, keep it up. Love it ❤️

[@sotocine99]

Valentina you make a great job. It is always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@BestBBQShow]

I love everything you do. You're amazing and you share so much. Thank you

[@ahrensteis3722]

I really like the moving master. I like to follow it up with something really close to pull in the focus of the action. I really enjoyed the lighting setup for both of the shots. Good work!

[@aputurelighting]

Glad you like it!

[@gabrielmachadobsb]

Wow the setup at 6:47 was really cool even though the silhouette look doesn't make sense. I'd use a red tube light as a key, and there you have a very solid stylistic look

[@EpicUnbox]

The format is amazing and the setup is fantastic!

[@DanCortesPodcast]

Best breakdown/lighting tutorial on YT

[@picturelounge1334]

I could not believe the video already finished. Good stuff, I enjoyed the video and it was informative

[@JimmyBlanco]

awesome video, digging the new graphic layouts. keep giving us these advanced lighting setups, not enough of these on youtube imho. also i love that you light for the wide shot first, it's something i always do now and it's really changed my filmmaking process.

[@Ranger7Studios]

I tend to work in a lot of depth. I like to put people, objects and backgrounds on different plains. I guess that comes form being an old school effects guy and too much time playing with 3D plains in After Effects. I (also) shoot with a lot of leading lines and into the corners of the room for more depth and a wider, more cinematic field of view. Loving the slower more in depth pace of 4 minute film school. It gives you time to digest what is being done.

[@aputurelighting]

Depth is always a good thing. And thank you!

[@TesseracMedia]

This new format is great. Definitely helps with the whole breakdown of both the lighting aspect and the framing up of shots.

[@nikolalakic9058]

Love these kinds of videos! Great to see everything come together! Personally, I love one takes - my favorite is on some military style shoots, to follow talent over the shoulder as they move through the scene, then in the same shot pick up another talent as they go in the opposite direction and over the shoulder them as well!

[@Pj-to5fz]

Really really, loved this episode, you guys are killing it!

[@cj64films]

Thank goodness this was more than 4 mins lol. I’ve learned so much from these!

[@aputurelighting]

Glad you found it valuable!

[@cj64films]

@@aputurelighting Definitely! I think my lighting is more stylized like the second look. At least as far as short films are concerned.

[@premnayer]

Loving these tutorials. So helpful for a noob. Thank you.

[@LottacamStudio]

Just started doing lighting so this really helped thnx! Also props for the footage & your skills 🎥🔥

[@miguelquezada1916]

The new format is great. It’s hard to believe this is free content!

[@aputurelighting]

That means a lot!!

[@carlmurungi27]

When setting up a shot always like to make sure the lighting shapes the framing. Not just setting a frame that looks "good" BTW loving this new kinda content ya'll are putting up.

[@ghanshyamc463]

I'm really digging the new format..🔥🙂

[@aputurelighting]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@PavlaVankova]

I love these new truly in-depth walkthroughs!

[@juzzonmorris]

You've got crazy skillz at st designing, lighting, directing and filming! Who are you?!? WOW!

[@viewindertv]

Enjoying this new walkthrough format - more, please!

[@humbertoteski]

Vee is my cinematographer muse. This is another great video. Congratulations.

[@aputurelighting]

Thank you!!

[@itz_praise]

Thank you so much✨....I needed this

[@aputurelighting]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nickminderman7380]

This was sooo awesome. Great job and a lot of work went into just giving us the information. Love it and my Nova. Haha

[@kshitizfx]

Highly attracted towards source lighting 🤩

[@aputurelighting]

Same ;)

[@wintrowmedia3694]

Love this format V! Lookin’ forward to the next one! One thing I learned from this episode is you can never have too many c-stands... 🤣 I need MORE!

[@valentinavee]

Oh yeah I’m obsessed with buying grip equipment. It’s a problem.

[@idrisso.g.6316]

your channel is going the right direction, dope setup

[@josesabinojr.7532]

These breakdowns are so valuable. A great way to give back to the community. Thanks, Aputure!

[@phillihotzky9291]

So so nice ☺️ thank you Aputure and Valentina! Learned so much from you guys ❤️

[@JaviSanchezRUNS]

Is so cool and inspiring to realize that you don't know anything about lighting and videos like these change everything. Thanks for this one and Happy Shooting!

[@blakeedwardpante548]

Thank you for this great information! I love using lights to heighten mood and bring emotion and meaning through colors. 😊

[@ninosperdidos]

I just came to here and I have to say this is a wonderful tutorial video! thanks a lot!

[@ShaunNotcutt]

Learnt so much in 17 min! Thanks!!

[@johnbivins]

Appreciate you walk thru and pace, learned a lot. the set reminds me of a Lord Huron Video.

[@datingunderquarantine6671]

Love the new walk throughs and the breakdown of terms and setups.