Introduction - Computer Animation: Algorithms and Techniques - page 13

A B C D

FIGURE 1.6
Three-point lighting example: (a) Key light: A single spot light is placed at 45 degrees from the top-right of the
frame. This light has the highest intensity in the setup and is responsible for the cast shadows of the objects.
(b) Fill light: A blue fill light from the front and right of the object is used to illuminate the dark areas created by the
key light. This light is less intense and does not cast shadows or highlights on the objects. (c) Rim light: Multiple
lights are placed opposite the direction of the key light. They highlight the edges, which are otherwise in shadow.
These highlights help separate the objects from the background as well as from other overlapping objects in the
scene. (d) All lights: This is the final lighting set up—a combination of key, fill, and rim lights. The scene is
rendered with ray tracing, generating reflections on selective surfaces. (Images courtesy of Sucheta
Bhatawadekar, ACCAD.)

180 rule
When filming a line of action, for example the conversation between two figures, it is common to show
each figure in isolation during the action. The camera is positioned in front of a figure but a little off to
the side. The 180 degree rule states that when showing the two figures, one after the other, in isolation,
the camera should stay on the same side of the line of action. Thus, the camera's orientation should stay
within the 180 degrees that is on one side of the line between the figures.

Rule of thirds
The rule of thirds says that the interesting places to place an object in an image are one-third along the
way, either side-to-side or up-and-down or both. In particular, don't center your subject in the image
and don't put your subject at the edge of the image.

Types of shots
Types of camera shots are categorized based on the distance from the camera to the subject and the
angle at which the shot is taken. The distance-based shots are extreme long range , long range , medium
range or bust shot , close-up , and extreme close-up . Which type of shot to use depends on the amount
and location of detail that is to be shown and how much environmental context is to be included
in the shot.
A low angle shot , meaning the camera is low shooting up at the subject, imparts a feeling of power
or dominance to the subject. Conversely, a high angle shot , in which the camera shoots down on the
subject, presents a feeling that the subject is insignificant or subordinate.

Tilt
Tilting the camera (rotating the camera about its view direction) can convey a sense of urgency,
strangeness, or fear to the shot.