SIMPLE CINEMATIC

LIGHTING
TECHNIQUES

CINEMATOGRAPHY

GUIDE
PART I

ANDREW BERESNEV
ANDBERY.COM
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION

2. REFLECTIVE FLOOR

3. BOUNCING LIGHT

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INTRODUCTION
Hey, I'm Andrew Beresnev, a cinematographer and the founder of Andbery Academy. In this comprehensive
guide, I'll share with you some simple yet effective techniques that are both budget-friendly and highly
impactful, allowing you to elevate your filmmaking style. Whether you're working on commercials, art
projects, or films, these tools can be easily incorporated to enhance your visual storytelling.

For a clear and concise understanding, this guide will provide you with detailed schemes and examples
taken from my own projects, and projects where I worked as a DP.

I aim to share my exclusive experiences and insights, giving you a firsthand glimpse into the techniques and
approaches I've employed as a cinematographer.

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REFLECTIVE
FLOOR

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REFLECTIVE FLOOR

The first visually captivating and impressive tool is the use of a wet or reflective floor/ground. The beauty of
this technique lies in the fact that the reflection created can add depth and volume to the frame, enhancing
the overall composition, making it more complicated.

Take a look at this example. In the first shot, the floor is non-reflective, resulting in a rather dull appearance.
However, in the second shot, where the floor is wet and reflective, it adds a touch of detail and complexity
to the composition, making it more visually appealing.

Using a wet floor or reflective surface can be a simple yet effective way to elevate the visual impact of
your shots and create a more dynamic composition.

——

When working with a wet floor, it is important to follow a few rules:

1. Wetness should be motivated: It is crucial to establish a logical reason for the presence of water on the
floor. Consider the context and think about where the water could have come from. Perhaps it has rained,
the room has been recently cleaned, or there has been a spillage in a manufacturing or storage area. By
providing a clear motivation, you avoid the impression that the water is added purely for aesthetic
purposes. By adhering to this guideline, you create a sense of authenticity and justification for the wet
floor, enhancing the overall believability of the scene.

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REFLECTIVE FLOOR

The characters find themselves in a production facility for the first time. As they explore the surroundings,
they notice the presence of water on the floor. It appears as though there might be a leaky pipe or that
someone has recently washed something in the area.

Create a cinematic effect of a wet ground in your exterior scene to give the impression of rain. It's an
easy technique that immediately makes the viewer think, "It must have rained!".

——

2. Ensure you have an ample water source available before the shoot. In the example shown above, we
used approximately 8 buckets of water (10 liters each). The larger and wider the space of your scene, and
the longer the shot you want to film, the more water you will need.

3. Avoid using materials like rubble, matte concrete coating, sand, or fine gravel for the wet effect, as they
quickly absorb water and leave dark stains. Opt for surfaces such as asphalt, cobblestones, sidewalks,
wood, plastic, laminate flooring, or linoleum, which provide better coverage for water.

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REFLECTIVE FLOOR

Pay attention to the presence of multiple light sources on the background, placed at far points and
directed towards the camera. This creates a reflection effect on the wet ground.

4. The next advice is – to make a contrast between light and dark areas on the background to show a
reflection of the wet ground. By adding a light source on the background directed towards the camera,
you can create a point of light that will be reflected on the surface.

Here, the contrast is evident between the high exposure of the background and the dark character.

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REFLECTIVE FLOOR
Remember, achieving contrast within the shot, between dark and light areas, is essential. The wet floor as
a mirror. If you have a scene without contrast, you will observe a similarly low contrast reflection on the
wet ground.

In this example, there is a noticeable contrast between the exposure of the sky and the buildings.

We have spent about 14 buckets of water for this scene.

However, in this case, there is no contrast in the background. The wet floor reflects the monochromatic
background. By adding a practical light source, such as bright practical lamps, you can enhance the
reflection and create a more pronounced effect.

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REFLECTIVE FLOOR

Sometimes, in interior scenes, it can be challenging to justify why the floor is wet. In such cases, I
recommend seeking a room with a reflective floor. Choosing a reflective surface over a monochromatic
floor can greatly enhance the desired effect.

When I discovered this filming location, I was immediately captivated by its remarkable floor. The reason
behind my choice became evident as I witnessed the captivating reflection it produced. Take a look at this
mesmerizing effect!

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REFLECTIVE FLOOR
A few examples of this technique from my students.

It's not a big deal to add a little water to the reflective floor to create extra reflective areas. In the first
shot, my student used water to make the asphalt wet, while in the second shot, he chose that location
specifically for a company scene because the floor had a nice glare.

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REFLECTIVE FLOOR
Creating a reflection on the ground is a favourite technique among renowned cinematographers. Take
some time to analyze your favorite shots from movies, commercials, and music videos. You'll likely come
across scenes that incorporate reflections.

Atomic blonde (2017) Neon demon (2016)

A Very Long Engagement (2004) Dunkirk (2017)

Blade Runner 2049 (2017) Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

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BOUNCING
LIGHT FROM
THE FLOOR

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BOUNCING LIGHT

This technique involves using a key light for the characters that is not a direct side light, but rather a
hybrid of bounce light at a sharp angle.

The classical bounce light creates a soft and pleasing light with a smooth gradient of lights and shadows.
It's an excellent tool for mid and close-up shots, adding a gentle contrast to the scene.

Bouncing the light from the floor provides a similar effect but without the need for additional grip, frames,
or stands. It's a convenient way to achieve a bounced light for the character.

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BOUNCING LIGHT

When working with the bounce light from the floor, it's recommended to create some distance between
the light source and the floor to avoid harsh and overexposed points on the ground. A distance of 1.5
meters or more is a good approach.

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BOUNCING LIGHT

The main technique used in this scene is bouncing light from the floor. Take a look at these shots and
notice that we have a fairly intense light source (Aputure 600D + Fresnel), but the light is directed
towards the floor rather than the characters.

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BOUNCING LIGHT

ARRI 1000W

3200K

The intensity of the bounced light depends on the harshness and power of the main light source. I
typically use a light with a direct flow, such as an LED with a small yet powerful matrix (like the Nanlite
Forza 500, Godox 300VL, or Aputure 300x) or a Fresnel lens.

Pay attention to how the left backlight source is bouncing off the white book paper, creating a magical
reflection from a low angle.

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BOUNCING LIGHT
To motivate this type of light, you can simulate it as sunlight or any harsh top light found in real life. You
have the flexibility to adjust the color temperature (ranging from 3200K to 5600K) to create a warm
southern light or a cold sun, depending on the desired story and mood.

Using the floor as a bounce surface for key light is a unique and unconventional technique, but it can yield
amazing results. I encourage you to experiment with this technique by creating various lighting setups,
such as backlighting and sidelighting.

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BOUNCING LIGHT
A few examples of this technique from my students.

Pay attention to how beautifully the light from the floor lamp bounces off the table.

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BOUNCING LIGHT
Here are a few examples from movies that showcase this technique.

Dune (2021) The Assassination of Jesse James by the

Coward Robert Ford (2007)

Dune (2021) Dune (2021)

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) WHILE AT WAR (2017)

* Some reflections from the floor can be enhanced by using additional tools such as silver or white foam/
textile.

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If you want to enhance your lighting skills and gain knowledge in set design to elevate the professionalism
and cinematic quality of your shots, I invite you to enroll in my course "Mastery of Lighting and Set Design."

By clicking on the link below, you can access the course and take advantage of a special offer:

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See you in the next chapter, where I'll demonstrate how to create an incredible and straightforward
lighting setup using tubes and lighting gradients. Stay connected for more!

BTW, If you found this guide helpful, I have a request for you. Share stories of how you are applying the
lighting techniques or tips from this guide. It would make me happy, and I will gladly tag you in my
account. Additionally, it will demonstrate to your followers that you are continuously learning and
growing, enhancing your expertise in the eyes of potential clients.

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