Think of that horrible image that makes the hairs at the back of your
neck stand up. You may have seen it for the first time in childhood,
but it has stayed with you all these years. That image that makes you
sleep with the light on was created using specific lighting. Effective
lighting is essential to creating a truly terrifying photo, and it may
be as simple as lighting a candle or waiting for dusk.
Instructions
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1
Research horror images from film and photography. You have
different options for lighting, and it is important to develop a layout
before purchasing expensive equipment you may not need. Natural lighting
may be used effectively or using just one light source can create a
horrifying image. You may want to add color; a greenish or reddish cast
to the photo may add an intensity to the shot.
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2
Choose the strongest option. Horror photography has
intensity. The lighting may be simple, but it is specific. One Fresnel
light positioned on the floor and pointing toward a model's face can
create frightening dramatic shadows, the same effect used when someone
holds a flashlight underneath her chin while telling a ghost story. The
name Fresnel is referring to the lens inside the light, which has rings
that focus the light toward the center of the lens. If your layout calls
for something more eerie and less striking you may consider waiting for
dusk and using the natural shadows created in an angular room as the
sun is setting. Keep the lights in the room off and place your model, or
object, in a beam of light.
3
Add color to your lighting design. Gels can be purchased
inexpensively to cover any sort of lighting instrument. An array of
colors are available for gels. Green is a good horror option as it gives
a sickly glow to human skin tone. Red, the color of blood, can add a
urgency to the horror in your photo. Stay away from blues as they have a
calming effect on the psyche.
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4
Add practicals to your shot. Practicals are light sources
that are placed on set in a scene. A practical can be something like a
candle, a lamp or Christmas lights. A cleverly placed candle can add
interesting shadows to your shot. A lamp with very low lighting may help
balance the shot and give off an eerie glow that will give the viewer
goose bumps.