Hanging Positions and Design Methods

Be able to label the main hanging positions on a diagram (plot).

1) Read Chapter 2 -- General Design Methods.

2) Understand the basics of McCandless' method.  Know the difference between Area Lighting, Toning and Blending, Background Lighting, and Specials (or Features or Soloists).

3) Be able to label the 9 basic lighting positions.

4) Study THIS illustration.

5) Watch this video for a quick understanding of the very basic lighting positions.

6) Study the information below.

McCandless' Acting Area Lighting Method (and still one of the main lighting methods used today)

1) Front Light -- Directly in front of the actor. Usually at a 45 degree angle from the deck.

2) SR Front Cross (or Front Diagonal) -- In front of the actor. Usually at a 45 degree angle from the deck and 45 degree angle SR from straight out.

3) SL Front Cross (or Front Diagonal) -- In front of the actor. Usually at a 45 degree angle from the deck and 45 degree angle SL from straight out.

4) Down (or Top) Light -- Straight overhead of the actor.

5) SR High Cross (or High Diagonal) -- Between the Side Light and the Down Light and usually at 45 angle degree from the deck and directly SR from the actor.

6) SL High Cross (or High Diagonal) -- Between the Side Light and the Down Light and usually at 45 angle degree from the deck and directly SL from the actor.

7) Back Light -- From behind the actor. Usually at a 45 degree angle from the deck.

8) SR Back Cross (or Back Diagonal)-- Behind the actor. Usually at a 45 degree angle from the deck and 45 degree angle SR from straight back.

9) SL Back Cross (or Back Diagonal)-- Behind the actor. Usually at a 45 degree angle from the deck and 45 degree angle SL from straight back.

Other lighting positions:

Shin Buster -- Don't bust your shin on it!

Side Light -- Often times on the boom, in either the Mid Boom or Head High Boom position.

Up Light -- Imagine holding a flash light in your hand and shining up on your face.

Photography lighting techniques:  Photographers use basically the same lighting techniques as stage lighting designers but use completely different terminology.  Watch this video for a better understanding of light angles and what they can do to your subject:  http://www.digital-photography-school.com/5-classic-lighting-positions-for-portrait-photography