The one thing EVERY filmmaker needs to know

[@AiringAustin]

"Painters shape paint, musicians shape sound, and cinematographers shape light" That is such a great way of explaining it!

[@RyanKao]

Glad that resinated with you! And thanks for watching man!

[@alibabaei5968]

All visual artists actually play with light in one way or another.

[@AABB-px8lc]

After you got costly world top FX3 with insanely low noise sensor, as lowest hardware, yes, time to make "light is everything" snob flex. Not first, not last.

[@isaahedits6714]

i just wanna say that God, Mary and Jesus love you so much! They saved me from cancer (without any tratament just praying) and They are with you❤

[@mrockstudios8112]

so cinematographers shape the light is result will be a video without sound. lol . Movie is a lot of things.

[@adilcmusic]

You're inspiring me to make each of my music videos better and better

[@kyleemariekao]

One of my favorites we've put together in a long time. Proud to be by your side and watch you grow and help others, always!

[@RyanKao]

You are my rock. I love you

[@CreativeRyan]

Bro. You put so much work & effort into this video, I appreciate that. Fire 🔥

[@RyanKao]

I appreciate that Ryan! Thank you!! 🙏

[@mikomo-5530]

@@RyanKao wow!! Ryan comment. UNREAL )))) Good luck!

[@anthonynanthavongsa1540]

5 years later, I found myself back into filmmaking. So happy to see how far you've come. I used to watch you back at 2k subs..... Well done on this video, you made it look so effortless!

[@RyanKao]

Wow... I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. Thanks for sticking around 🙏

[@PizzlesTechTime]

You're 100% Right.... I've been struggling with lighting so much.

[@2011troya]

The layers in this video speaks volumes of the production value. This is amazing, subbed for this

[@RyanKao]

Thanks so much man. Great feedback to hear

[@sssssbunny]

So many information in just one video! I love that you show the actual process done by yourself to achieve that perfect light! Thanks a lot!

[@RyanKao]

Glad it was helpful! You're very welcome

[@M.A.D.C.J]

It’s crazy how every video you post just gets better and better, like your details are insane, I can’t wait to hang out with you one day and learn some things from you, I want to get better at my storytelling and filmmaking in my channel, lately I have had some crappy imposter syndrome and comparing my growth to alot of my mutuals hitting crazy numbers, but I have to remember this is my own journey, and I want to change my life these next 6 months, and this video really put it in perspective for me, I need to keep creating. Thanks for being such an awesome person.

[@RyanKao]

Dude Mikey, I can't tell you how much this means to me man. I truly value and I appreciate your support after all these years.. and hearing stuff like this truly makes so much of what I do beyond worth it. Let's get together ASAP bro. We're in Culver!

[@Brian-Hansen]

Great video, Ryan. I agree, lighting techniques are often overlooked. When I focused on light is when my projects started to look so much better!

[@RyanKao]

So glad you related! Thanks for watching Brian!

[@studiosoul]

This is brilliant. I’ve been intimated with working with artificial light sources. But videos like this really help break that down through education and understanding. Thanks for making this! There aren’t a lot out there done this way 🙏🏼

[@RyanKao]

Glad it was helpful! Appreciate you watching!!

[@jadengriggs42]

Dude, your channel is literally what I’ve been looking for. Your an incredibly gifted film maker and editor and very knowledgeable! And your channel is about sharing that and teaching others that, and it’s done well?!? Props 👏👏👏 I’m subscribed.

[@RyanKao]

I appreciate that! Thanks for taking the time to watch and subscribe man! I hope to keep it up. 🙏

[@chipwillis]

this is one of the best youtube videos I have seen about lighting.

[@RyanKao]

What a great compliment. Thank you.

[@peacelivingstone]

Finally! An actual step-by-step lighting tutorial Thanks

[@RyanKao]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching.

[@PC-sl8nd]

Seamless convergence of technique and well-crafted editing.

[@RyanKao]

Thank you so much!!

[@MikeWolfSoriano]

Facts bro. It’s what separates a video from being just a video and being an actual film. This is true “cinematic”

[@ZachRamelan]

Brother this is such a banger! I've learned more about lighting in this one video than hours of tutorials on youtube.

[@RyanKao]

Duuude! Thank you so so much

[@ngonzale3]

10:15 A hard light that can be shaped is amazing.

[@LarimoreStudios]

Your choice of music, the way you told this story, the whole thing was incredible! Great job!

[@RyanKao]

Thank you so so much! Really glad you liked this one

[@williamalexanderr]

Bro that Bathroom shot is INSANE !

[@chrln]

woah, so so interesting! will definitely watch this video again. all this is art and it is so much work. kudos!

[@RyanKao]

Thank you so much 😀

[@benfromsg]

KZbin brought me here and I am glad it did. You remind me of Jesse Driftwood. I loved that your tutorial, like his, is *truly* cinematic, and I don't mean it lightly. From the scripting the stanzas the music selection the lighting , all go towards telling a story. Alot of people I've seen claim that they are "filmmakers" or "cinematographers" but man oh man, the work they put out show that they are just at the level of videographers at the end of the day, aspiring to be what they claim to be. I am personally working towards putting it altogether myself and working towards a cinematic goal, adding bits and pieces in the content I make - bettering the framing, improving the staging and now learning how to shape lights from you. This was good inspiration!

[@RyanKao]

Wow, seriously thank you so much for this comment. I really appreciate your perspective and support. It’s a honor to be mention amongst Jesse! I hope your creative journey continues to thrive and grow! Let me know how I can help

[@RetroBreak]

Interesting way of thinking about film making! Lighting is super important!

[@RyanKao]

It really is! Thanks for watching!!

[@kodewilliams]

The first 50 seconds of this video hooked me in a new way Ryan, immaculate cuts and sound design in this video.

[@RyanKao]

Really appreciate this Kode, thanks for watching!

[@GlobalShutterNY]

So correct - it is ALL about the light (and shadow of course...) - nowadays basically every camera can record 'cinematic' quality images- but the lighting is what makes the image 'cinematic'...

[@RyanKao]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks for stopping by!

[@edwardleefilms]

This by far one of your best KZbin videos. I feel like thats saying a lot because all your videos are heat haha. Well done brother!

[@RyanKao]

Ed!!! Thank you so much brother. This means a lot…

[@RussellYandura]

Awesome points my dude. Light and storytelling go hand in hand. As a cinematographer, the goal is to visually tell the best story rather than to just make it look "cool". Always be searching for the "why?" behind every shot. Is it telling a better story or is it inflating an aestetic ego that does not add value to the story at large?

[@RyanKao]

Glad to hear you can take something away from this Russell. Couldn't agree with you more. Thanks for watching!!

[@axelgiraud2510]

8:30 it's litteraly amazing

[@itsdavidarries]

I knew it, it was lighting. I still have a lot to learn when it comes to shaping light, it reflects emotion, vibes, scenery, and versatility. From now on, I will try to work more better in my lighting in all the best that I can ^^

[@RyanKao]

Well said, it's a great skill to hone and continue to better over time!

[@rissamayrox]

THE TUBE DRESS DUVE. So good. and so is this edit. It'll be my first time stepping on set as a Gaffer on a short film this weekend- and this video made me even more excited and inspired to start shaping some light 💡💯

[@RyanKao]

Turns out the wife's clothes are the real MVP here... Haha And that's amazing, best of luck to you to this weekend! Thanks for watching!!

[@StrugglerIndeed]

I could watch several videos just like this. Fantastic.

[@RyanKao]

Thanks so so much for watching!

[@juzzonmorris]

Bro.. your knowledge of light taming is most impressive! Thanks for sharing👊🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@RyanKao]

I appreciate that!! 🙌

[@selfai1238]

clicked for a the title, stayed for the edit style. 🔥🔥🔥

[@RyanKao]

I appreciate that!! This was a fun one 🙌

[@SoySpider]

Please, PLEASE make MORE videos like this, explaining the light you use in every situation, I learnt so much from this video. New suscriber!

[@RyanKao]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and subscribing!!

[@jacques_crafford]

RYAN! I really enjoyed watching this! The way you piece these together is amazing, retention + a quality tutorial well done dude!

[@RyanKao]

Jacques! That means a lot man. I really appreciate that

[@colorgradingcentral]

This was a dope title, learned a lot. Nice to see how you think through different shots.

[@RyanKao]

Appreciate that!! Thanks for watching.

[@MisterAndTheMuse]

So well done. I agree, light is everything!

[@RyanKao]

👍

[@LeoDuff]

What a video, well done! It's the best explanation I've seen about the importance of light!

[@RyanKao]

Thanks a ton for this comment man! And thanks for the visit!!

[@thefactorycollective]

Yes, I20%. Without light, there is nothing to film. Lighting is an art in itself.

[@RyanKao]

Preach 🙏

[@bynicolaasjoosten]

this is amzing, thanks for the great info

[@RyanKao]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@shaandhaddha]

Love the edit, especially the sound effects. Great work, Ryan! 🙌🏼

[@RyanKao]

Thanks a ton! 😅

[@MaikHansen]

this intro is INSANE man!! Love to see how you developed your filmmaking style and transfer it here to youtube 🙏🏼❤

[@kaspergaram]

Not sure why I've never come across your channel before. Superb video!

[@RyanKao]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the watch!!

[@GeovanyC]

Great stuff my g! You can never have too much light gear!

[@RyanKao]

Oh for sure!! Thanks Geovany! 🙏🙏🙏

[@AuthenTech]

Great work man

[@RyanKao]

Thanks so much my man. Appreciate you stopping by 🙏

[@epidemicmediafilms]

Thank you learned a lot here !!! 🎉

[@RyanKao]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!!

[@ayoubmani4763]

that was so helpful and easy to learn like everything was straight to the point

[@RyanKao]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@moviesmadebymike]

This is the first video of yours I’ve seen since some of those earlier ones you referenced that featured briefly here. You’ve changed quite a bit (in a good way) - I can’t quite put my finger on it but I think ultimately it comes down to growth, maturing and the way you communicate with your audience. Not only does it feel authentic but it’s hugely educational and inspiring at the same time. Makes me wanna make more stuff. Keep doing your thing bro, at this rate you’ll be taking Deakins spot in no time.

[@lukecresante]

such a great video, back 2-months later to watch again

[@RyanKao]

Thanks for being here man! It's always appreciated.

[@shadowboxer2747]

This is a lot of work. Extremely great effort 👏👏👏

[@RyanKao]

Thanks a lot! 😊

[@Childrenoflightprod_]

it be dope to see you do a video lights filmmakers should invest in to help grow their business

[@RyanKao]

Thanks a ton!! Hoping to do more lighting stuff soon!

[@sameasforevercanada]

okay i'm gonna binge this channel now

[@RyanKao]

I'm honored...

[@billwdwc]

Very nice . Thanks for this . Would love to see more light breakdowns

[@isaiahshotit585]

This was DOPE! Lotta gems in this joint!💎💎💎

[@RyanKao]

Yoo thank you so much bro

[@markgatus96]

This fuels my inspiration to continue learning filmmaking. Thank you!!!

[@RyanKao]

Ahh so glad!!

[@feanor.mk4]

Basically this video is a masterclass

[@RyanKao]

Yo I appreciate this!!

[@JAYKEEOUT]

amazing video sooooo helpful! thank you!

[@RyanKao]

Glad it was helpful!! 👍

[@Childrenoflightprod_]

I learned about book lighting at my college it's such a dope lighting style

[@RyanKao]

Agreed. Thanks so much for watching!

[@lauritee]

I agree. Lighting has become so important in my workflow. Awesome video and love the breakdown!

[@RyanKao]

I appreciate that a ton!

[@iampriteshnpatel]

Really useful information for filmmaker... Thanks for making this video...

[@RyanKao]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!!

[@kingmuhu]

I consume a lot of content. And this one is super fresh. Your style inc edit is fresh bro. Kuddos.

[@RyanKao]

Means a lot! Thank you 🙏

[@justpixelating]

This has to be one the greatest videos I have ever seen to understand lighting. Edit is so on point loved it 💕💕💕💕

[@RyanKao]

Wow, that means a ton! 🙏🙏

[@adrienvillez]

Such a beautiful well done video! Thank you! Gonna have to watch this again!

[@RyanKao]

Appreciate this Adrien!! 🤗

[@reganbacalla2890]

Your bg music and sounds also is soooo goooooddddd, DOPE

[@RyanKao]

Appreciate it!!!

[@DanielChohfi1]

The edit is amazing! You could break it for us (specially the sound!)!

[@RyanKao]

Thank you! Might just have to do that!

[@valducept5335]

Amazing resource! Thanks for doing this video and sharing your insights & lights Ryan!

[@RyanKao]

Glad to hear you liked it! Thanks for being here!!

[@Cici-md2fe]

i love it, it looks so impressive. Especially the shower scene, the lightning is just freaking good. Im studying right now film, to become a filmmaker. And someone told me that i probably dont know how to use light. And they were right, i didnt know you could do so much with the lighting. I mean i kinda knew, but i didnt knew how. Im going to try to make some of these Lightnings for my next University Projekt. Thank you for showing us.

[@RyanKao]

Thank you so much for taking time to watch and comment. The shower scene was such a fun one, one of my favorites I've experimented with! Cheeers!

[@CreativeDEZ]

Great video, appreciate your knowledge of lighting.

[@RyanKao]

Thanks for watching!

[@A.V.I.D-v3s]

ok this was actually awesome. i also loved the editing. thx for these awesome, and finally HANDS ON VIDEOS.

[@ScareTimeStudios]

Great tips!! So I’m finding out that I just need something black to block fill light. When you used your wife’s dress…it was at that point that I knew I didn’t need to go out and buy some fancy black cloth to block my fill light. Thanks for the video!

[@KeoTsang]

Loved how well put together and educational this video is, gave me a whole new perspective!

[@RyanKao]

Appreciate that a lot 🙏🙏

[@shatteredglassfilms7931]

Im glad I clicked on this video! Great explanations!

[@RyanKao]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MICHAELGHOULD]

thank you!!!

[@RyanKao]

You're welcome! 🙏

[@spaceshipjoyride]

you know what...this video is pretty well lit

[@rahulgavel925]

This is a perfect tutorial video on lighting and that starting scene was amazing really liked the montage 🔥

[@RyanKao]

Ahh thank you so much!!

[@rahulgavel925]

@@RyanKao please make me your assistant.

[@Fungustus1]

Definitely killed every example here my dude! Thanks for your helpful tips!

[@bmefilms6879]

man this was really good!

[@RyanKao]

🙏

[@BenjiSelby]

It's wild how much light can change a shot's look! I like how you controlled the bathroom light without putting up a big black sheet and messing with the shot. This was super helpful! This was a dope way to teach this bro!

[@RyanKao]

Agree with you Benji. Light is everything. This one was a fun creative challenge for me!! Appreciate you watching man!

[@adotwhite]

BRUH. crazy good breakdown from start to finish! appreciate all the knowledge you dropped!

[@RyanKao]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching man!

[@miguelafabad]

Loved seeing the setups man! My favorite one was the bedroom lighting! Gotta appreciate the work you put in for this one 👏🏼

[@RyanKao]

Miguel!! Thanks so much brother

[@OnlyTanghi]

Never disappointed ... Big up Ryan, your video's complete and clean :)

[@RyanKao]

I appreciate that! 🙏

[@Juanmatocco]

This is great! Thank you Ryan!

[@RyanKao]

Thank you so much Juan!! 🙏

[@TrueLegacyStudio]

This video was super entertaining to watch! great video!!

[@RyanKao]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@maybejensen]

Hey Ryan. Absolutely stellar video, I was glued to my TV from start to finish. Great work 🎉

[@RyanKao]

Ahh man thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@nonovibe5365]

This video is crazy good !

[@RyanKao]

Thanks a ton man!

[@bookgains]

The most important thing for a filmmaker is story.

[@alexyvideomotionvfx2261]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us! Gonna get one of those Nanlite lights asap

[@unboxedproductions-s3g]

I can't wait to put this into practice!

[@speeddemon4692]

I think that creators should first look at the light they have, then look at ways to shape that light, then consider getting new lights. There is so much you can do with the light you have to create unique looks.

[@Vrainy]

THIS EARNED MY SUBSCRIBE

[@RyanKao]

I deeply appreciate you 🙏

[@toshmeister92]

Wow! Thanks for this video Ryan. Lighting for sure is the most underappreciated and also aspect of cinematography and I'm still learning a ton

[@RyanKao]

So glad you liked it! I hope to share more on lighting soon!

[@carlacarapetyan]

Thank you so much for the value you shared with us in this video! It would be incredible to have share with us more about each lights' settings and options. If we would to have only one of these, which one would you recommend us? And if we can't afford those types of light yet, what kind of light would you recommend starting with? Maybe any kind of light that ideally has the bi-color option, accompanied by a reflector? I wish you all the best in your creative experience 🥰

[@markothirring1746]

Wow, great video Ryan

[@RyanKao]

Thanks Mark!

[@nitch3304]

Brilliant video.Thanks for sharing your skill and knowledge.🙏

[@RyanKao]

Thanks so so much for watching!

[@Alexproduction27]

love your quality and expertise in how much time you put in this definitely does not go unnoticed.

[@RyanKao]

Appreciate this Alex! Thanks for watching!!

[@velbixfilms]

I am enjoying every bit of your editing style. And thanks a million for such a valuable information.

[@RyanKao]

This means a lot. Thanks for taking the time to watch !!

[@AbdulbasitYT]

Loved it, plz make more of such lighting breakdowns

[@RyanKao]

Thanks man! I just might!!

[@AbdulbasitYT]

@@RyanKao as a DOP myself, these are very fun and interesting to watch, I often sometimes laugh and relate to some of the struggles and lighting schemes and other times I pick stuff up to try it next time! 🤝

[@AlysiasArtStudio]

Yes!!! OMG! This is AWESOME! I won’t go into my story here, however I do relate to this on so many levels 🤗 I’m subscribing!!!

[@RyanKao]

Yooo glad to hear! Thanks for subscribing!!

[@treeman7856]

As a photographer getting into video... WOW, that's all I can really say.

[@RyanKao]

Appreciate this! And best of luck to you.

[@yamilonetto9136]

Muchas gracias amigo, eres increíble!!!!

[@RyanKao]

Thanks for watching!!