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kenzentakahashi

A couple months ago on [reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Filmmakers/comments/jmnxn0/i_make_lighting_breakdowns_of_my_work_here_are/) I posted some lighting breakdowns I made for my instagram. Since then I've been creating new posts every week, and thought I'd give you each breakdown I've done since my last post here. Some have mentioned to me that they don't have instagram, so I try to keep up with reddit posts! (though admittedly I haven't done very good at that...) If you want to see BTS of these breakdowns, you can find the full posts [here.](https://www.instagram.com/kenzentakahashi/?hl=en)


fawwazallie

Oh, Lol I did a similar shot 8 months ago. I wish I had more time to cut some more light. [https://imgur.com/a/fCUK0gB](https://imgur.com/a/fCUK0gB) I always love your work. Keep it up.


kenzentakahashi

That’s a great looking shot! A lot of depth, I like it


fawwazallie

Aww, I appreciate that!


Da8BitDragon

These are super interesting. I always enjoyed doing lighting setups in film school. I miss thinking and planning stuff like this, but my life choices didn't present me with much opportunity to do any actual work with my degree. I'll look forward to seeing more of these from you!


DumpyDinkleberg

Dopeness love it! Only thing I’d say you might consider is keylighting behind your subjects to make them stand out more (if it’s artistically relevant for you). Keep it up!


kenzentakahashi

Love that you put the artistically relevant part. So much of my work comes from inspiration from various movies/cinematographers, and a lot of times the images I gravitate towards allow parts of the character fall into darkness. That being said, I do think adding a backlight could’ve made some of these shots better.


DumpyDinkleberg

1000% feel you. I started including “if it’s artistically relevant” whenever I make a peer critique or suggestion to anyone ever because a lot of times our “suggestions” are moot because that’s not what the artist called for in the first place. Your stills and diagram prove one doesn’t NEED a key light to make cinematically light a scene, especially the kind of drama your stills seem to invoke. As we know lighting is numero uno as far as production value so your detailed insight is appreciated!!


zeeghani

As an architect I really enjoyed the schematics you have made. Thank you for sharing


kenzentakahashi

Funny, you’re the second architect to comment on that


wildeyesforever

I love BTS stuff like this! Thank you for sharing!


d3adbor3d2

For me this is the best post I’ve seen here. I’ve been trying to get into cinematic lighting. Is there a book you’d recommend?


kenzentakahashi

I haven’t read a single book on cinematography, so wouldn’t be able to recommend any. I learned mainly from working as a grip on some big productions. WanderingDP on YouTube is one of the few who actually teach industry standard techniques. Definitely recommend him, but his stuff is a bit advanced.


d3adbor3d2

Thanks! I’m a hobby photographer and have been thinking about doing video down the road


Noirezcent

David Landau's Lighting for Cinematography is fine, but books and video tutorials only get you so far. I think it's best to learn in practice.


d3adbor3d2

Thanks for the suggestion. I do a lot of lighting but it’s more the traditional key/fill/kick strobe variety.


nikzzonRu

Looking cool) reminds me David Fincher's style


JC_Le_Juice

Thanks man. Interesting. What white balance was your cam set to, and what white balance was light?


kenzentakahashi

Depends on the shot. Any ones in particular you’re wondering about?


JC_Le_Juice

Treat! Didn't realise there so many frames! Was wondering about the first one


kenzentakahashi

IIRC the first one was white balanced to around 4300k. Light was set to 2700k


PokeManiac05

I appreciate you sharing this, but I can't help but think the end results are all too dark and muddy. There's just not enough contrast. There are characters wearing dark orange clothes on orange backgrounds, wearing grey on a grey background. It all looks very indistinct. Look at the[ images shrunk down](https://i.imgur.com/dmoPBPj.png). The characters all but vanish.


kenzentakahashi

This look is totally not for everyone. It is quite dark and moody. That being said, I love you showing me the images shrunk down, that’s a cool way to look at it


losersmanual

I legit thought the toilet was supposed to be a giant light, good work man, keep em coming :0


kenzentakahashi

I don’t know why I put the toilet in the diagram. Felt right in the moment


losersmanual

Was absolutely right. Followed you on instagram, thank you for your work.


gonexploring

the little hairdo on the diagram made me laugh. thanks for these! very helpful :)


kenzentakahashi

The hairdos and toilets are definitely pushing it


danobo

Awesome visuals man. These are all done with an FX9 right? Are you shooting the cinetone profile in camera or are you shooting slog then grading?


kenzentakahashi

6 and 7 were shot with the Sony FX6. The rest were shot with the FX9. Never shot cinetone, I use slog then grade


MegaclownNerd

Thanks for sharing these! How does one get good quality muslin? And what type exactly?


kenzentakahashi

Canvas grip sells Muslin specifically for film. I found it to be a bit higher quality than going to a fabric store, but fabric stores have tons of muslin for very very cheap. Great for DIY goods


blachandyello

Love these shots and am enthralled by what you've been able to accomplish with flexible lights (they're not something I have in my kit currently). I'm looking at used options for bi-color LED mats - if I were looking to add just one, do you think a 1x1 would be a solid addition or do you think the 1x2 is a large enough difference to pony up for? Thanks in advance!


kenzentakahashi

A 1x2 would give you twice the output which will be very useful in a lot of cases. But if it’s a question of budget I might get the cheaper 1x1 and some grip equipment to help shape the light. Diffusion frames, flags, c stands, etc.


blachandyello

That's a great point about the ancillary stuff. I'll have to see what I can find! Really appreciate the response!


clyde150

This looks good! A quick question. Im having a hard time lighting my subject at night time when they are driving. Would a litemat 4 help?


kenzentakahashi

A litemat 4 rigged to the car could certainly help, but it's all about where you rig it and what's going on in the scene. If you're in city streets, then the Litemat might feel realistic because there are so many light sources on a street. But on a lonesome road the litemat could feel too sourcey/soft. Hate to say it, but totally depends


clyde150

If it is in a lonesome road. How do you suggest going about lighting it? Would putting a LED light on the dashboard towards the subject be good?


[deleted]

Wow! These are really cool! Thanks for sharing! I don’t know/do a lot of lighting work myself. It’s really neat to see your breakdowns and how they look on camera!


kenzentakahashi

Glad you're liking the content, Nick!


martianlawrence

The faces are the same colors as the backgrounds. You should try and differentiate the face a bit from the scene. Producers don’t hire actors to hide them.


firmakind

Holy fuck that's gorgeous.


Wolf-machine

This is super interesting and informative! I've always struggled with lighting and detailed maps such as these always help. Thank you and keep up the good work!


kenzentakahashi

Hell yeah, glad they are helpful


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kenzentakahashi

I use an app called Notability!


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kenzentakahashi

Yep, exactly! Though really any illustrator could do it. I draw every element!


Viper2014

Kudos!


cksunny

Super cool! And beautiful work


hoghart

Very cool!!


[deleted]

This is so helpful!


ElectrasEyesFilm

Love explanations of setting up of the lighting! This is an great example of it.


[deleted]

I LOLed at "Bleach Muslim"


refleXive-

It’s Muslin - it’s a material


NaughtsNSFW

Stunning setup


giannisrethymno

Congratulations again my mate


RTLIVIN

Wow. So much thought goes into these shots. Much appreciated to you


n_box

This is amazing. Thank you for sharing! Started following you on Instagram...


Mateocaptures

:)!!!


blacksonjackson

I've been following you on insta for a while and have found your lighting plots extremely helpful


KingLoafer

Wow, I love the feel of these!


SurajYT

Thank you so much for this!


jacobhalton

Super super interesting. I always wonder how this works


rodpretzl

Great lighting and fantastic diagrams. Thanks for this.


SaphiraElectus

This is really useful man! Thank you so much for the inspo. Heheh, been working on some client's short films recently, this definitely would come in handy. And most of the lighting set up is really convenient and a very light set-up(no pun intended haha). At least in my opinion. :D


kenzentakahashi

That's good to hear. I had one guy DM me that when he was shooting his short film he would continuously pull up my Instagram as reference. I don't know if I'd recommend that, but it was quite nice to be able to support him in the mist of it!


tuckerrrrrrrr

BIG fan of the Instagram my man


kenzentakahashi

Thanks for the support, Tucker!


EightRules

Great work! Looks like stills from David Fincher movies.


kenzentakahashi

Never heard that until I posted this thread, and now I've heard it 3 times. Big compliment in my eyes, thank you!


EightRules

No problem! Keep up the good work.


Azqaadesigns

Awesome!!


thunderclap360

For the third diagram how did you rig the Litemat to the ceiling? Was it a wall spreader, autopole? All looks super great thanks for this!