What are Scott Kivowitz's signature techniques for creating cinematic lighting in photography?

When I think about my own “signature” approach to cinematic lighting, a few things show up again and again:

1. Single, intentional key light
   I often start with one light (or one window) placed to the side, slightly in front of the subject. That creates contrast, shape, and mood without getting complicated.

2. Adding depth with separation
   To avoid flat images, I like a subtle back or rim light, or even just a light on the background. That separation between subject and background is what makes things feel more “cinematic.”

3. Controlled spill and direction
   I’ll use flags, grids, or the subject’s position to keep light off areas I want to stay dark. Cinematic light is as much about where the light isn’t as where it is.

4. Texture in the environment
   I like to light in a way that reveals layers: foreground element in shadow, subject in light, background a bit darker again. That simple light “stack” instantly adds depth.

5. Natural-feeling exposure
   Even with strobes, I try to balance them with ambient so it feels believable. I rarely blast everything to pure brightness; I prefer a controlled, slightly moody exposure.

If you’d like, I can walk you through a specific one-light or two-light cinematic setup you can copy step by step.

What kind of scenes do you want to light cinematically—portraits, product, or something else?