If Only

When making the short film If Only for the director Wesley Reid whom I know well, I had a new responsibility in terms of being the main gaffer, as I had no previous experience in that position. To gain insight into different aspects of the process other than directing and editing, the assignment presented an opportunity to get closer to lighting.

Having researched the theory beforehand and with my previous experience from photography I was the main person in charge of lighting on set. Biggest challenge on location was to recreate natural light, which varied depending on the weather outside throughout the day. But on the other hand I could also employ a it of creativity like in the classroom scene when the director wanted a bit more of a dramatic effect.

In the end I was quite happy with the results since the shots seemed to blend together in terms of lighting and the dramatic effects of emotional scenes was stronger due to the lighting.