Philip Prest’s journey into cinematography is anything but typical. “Funny story is, I started off as an actor,” he shares with a smile. It wasn’t long before he noticed a recurring problem: finding a reliable editor was a constant struggle. Determined to solve this issue, Philip decided to learn the craft of editing himself. But as he delved deeper into the world of film, he found his true passion in cinematography, particularly in the art of lighting. “The way lighting could transform a scene fascinated me and led me to explore its possibilities,” he says.
Philip’s approach to lighting is both philosophical and practical. “My philosophy is that lighting is a character in itself. It should enhance the narrative and evoke emotions, guiding the audience’s focus and shaping their perception of the story,” he explains. For Philip, lighting is not just about visibility; it’s about creating depth, mood, and atmosphere that make the visual storytelling as compelling as the narrative itself.
To achieve this, Philip employs several key techniques. “Using contrast and shadows can create tension and mystery, while color temperatures can set the emotional tone,” he notes. He also emphasizes the importance of practical lights to add realism and texture, and carefully manipulates the direction and intensity of light to highlight or obscure elements within a scene, guiding the audience’s emotional response.
Balancing technical precision with creative expression is a challenge Philip embraces. “It requires a deep understanding of both the tools and the artistic vision,” he says. Philip meticulously plans his lighting setups to ensure all technical aspects are covered but always leaves room for spontaneity and experimentation. Effective communication with the director and crew is crucial to maintaining the creative vision while achieving technical excellence.
Designing lighting setups often comes with its own set of challenges. Limited space, gear, and power constraints are common hurdles. Philip overcomes these through extensive planning, using versatile lighting equipment, and remaining adaptable on set. “Collaboration and problem-solving with the crew are essential to finding creative solutions under pressure,” he adds.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Philip’s work. He starts by understanding the director’s vision and the story’s emotional beats. Regular communication and sharing visual references help align their creative goals. On set, maintaining an open dialogue ensures that the lighting complements the overall vision and enhances the storytelling.
Technological advancements have significantly influenced Philip’s work. “LED technology has been transformative, offering greater flexibility, efficiency, and control,” he says. Wireless lighting control systems have also sped up workflows, allowing for more precise adjustments on set. These innovations enable Philip to experiment more freely and achieve complex visual effects.
For aspiring cinematographers, Philip’s advice is straightforward: “Study light in all its forms and observe how it interacts with different surfaces and environments. Experiment constantly and learn from your successes and failures.” He stresses that while understanding lighting theory is essential, developing a personal style and intuition for how light can enhance a story is equally important.
Looking ahead, Philip is excited about future projects that push the boundaries of visual storytelling. “I see my lighting techniques evolving to incorporate more advanced technologies and unconventional methods,” he says. Whether working on feature films, shorts, or commercials, Philip is committed to creating more immersive and emotionally resonant visuals.
Philip Prest’s journey and approach to lighting demonstrate how this vital element of cinematography can be a powerful tool for storytelling, shaping not just what the audience sees, but how they feel.
