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I've recently been exploring the idea of analyzing still frames from films to determine the contrast ratios cinematographers use to achieve a specific look and feeling. This is something I've seen discussed quite often online. However, if I understand the technical aspects correctly, it doesn’t seem possible to do this in a truly reliable and accurate way because: The LUT and post-production workflow can alter the contrast ratios. For example, even if a shot appears to have a 2:1 key-to-fill ratio in the final film, the cinematographer might have originally lit it at 1.5:1 on set, with the LUT increasing the contrast. It's impossible to determine the exact stops used, as you can't extract light levels in stops based solely on an image. While you can see where something falls in terms of IRE, IRE values are linear, not logarithmic, meaning there’s no straightforward way to convert them into stops. Is my understanding correct, or am I missing something? I’d be curious to hear about your approaches to determining the lighting ratios on set —especially in relation to a show LUT.

Lots of discussion on the why of shooting with an iPhone, but I'm wondering about how. As in how do you create lighting that will let you get a good meaty picture and lots of subject separation using an iPhone. Expressiveness is a topic for another day. Specifically where would you start with light levels, ratios, color temps, and the rest? I presume you would set light levels so the camera could be shot at its native ISO value, but beyond that: Would you go very hard source light? Ultra diffused? Religiously keep your ratios at 2:1 or eliminate the fill and let the shadows fall where they may? How about colors? With the limitations of the iPhone sensor would it be best to define shapes with contrasting colors (solid-colored costumes against relatively plain cool backgrounds) or would it be better to keep everything homogeneous (beige on beige on beige).

Hello, I've been trying to learn more about lighting ratios, but it had me wonder a few things. Now I know it's kind of a blanket question and people can do whatever they want, but I'm curious about: 1. What are all the ratios that people typically look for? (Key to fill, key to background, etc.) 2. On average, is there a rule of thumb for lighting ratios, such as background is typically at least 1 stop under key? Again I know that it is ever changing and it's hard to give it a rule, but I think in a way I'm asking what do you as a cinematographer think as you are setting those ratios? Thanks!