That’s one of the things I love most about foliage—how the angle of light can make a leaf feel alive or ethereal. I’ve spent countless evenings in my little greenhouse, arranging real leaves on set to cast those subtle shadows and give the scene a breathing quality. The trick is to match the leaf’s natural veins and moisture to the mood you’re after; a damp ferns’ sheen can soften a tense moment, while a crisp maple leaf can add a crisp, dramatic edge. I always keep a curated collection of rare specimens on hand, just in case a particular texture or gloss is needed. If you’re using faux foliage, make sure the cut and color are faithful—nothing ruins a scene like a slightly off‑color leaf.