Fast Lighting Secrets for Cinematic Renders

Good lighting can save a bad model, but bad lighting can ruin a perfect one.

The Rule of Odds

Try using an odd number of lights. It tends to create more dynamic shadows and interest.

Color Temperature

Don’t use pure white light. Use warm (3200K) for key lights and cool (5600K) for fills to create depth through color contrast.

Gobos

Put a “gobo” (a stencil) in front of your light to cast interesting shadows. It implies a world outside the frame, like light shining through a window or tree leaves.