Lighting

The Standard 3-Point Lighting Technique

The Three Point Lighting Technique is a standard method used in visual media such as video, film, still photography and computer-generated imagery. It is a simple but versatile system which forms the basis of most lighting. Once you understand three point lighting you are well on the way to understanding all lighting.
The technique uses three lights called the key light, fill light and back light. Naturally you will need three lights to utilise the technique fully, but the principles are still important even if you only use one or two lights. As a rule:

• If you only have one light, it becomes the key.
• If you have 2 lights, one is the key and the other is either the fill or the backlight

Now a funny and interesting overview of 3-point lighting and how it works!!

 

Key Light

This is the main light. It is usually the strongest and has the most influence on the look of the scene. It is placed to one side of the camera/subject so that this side is well lit and the other side has some shadow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fill Light

This is the secondary light and is placed on the opposite side of the key light. It is used to fill the shadows created by the key. The fill will usually be softer and less bright than the key. To acheive this, you could move the light further away or use some spun. You might also want to set the fill light to more of a flood than the key.

Back Light

The back light is placed behind the subject and lights it from the rear. Rather than providing direct lighting (like the key and fill), its purpose is to provide definition and subtle highlights around the subject's outlines. This helps separate the subject from the background and provide a three-dimensional look.

  

Watch this short video on how to set up your 3-point lighting!!!

Note: If you have a fourth light, you could use it to light the background of the entire scene.

Click the link for a "Lighting Simulator" to visually see each lighting element.

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Using Available Light

Using available light is key for the documentary filmmaker on a budget or short on time. Sunlight coming through a window literally becomes your KEY light. See diagram below.

Using light from a window, position your subject about 30-degrees, not directly facing the window. A 30-degree angle creates a natural look and helps bring out some details in the facial features and creates a more natural look (shining a light directly on the face “flattens” the features).

KEY light creating contrast and shadow

If so, use a “fill” light to balance out the “key” light. A fill light can be created simply with a reflecting device such as a piece of white foam board or reflector… it “bounces” light from the key source to create the “fill” light.

Overhead Lighting

When the natural light available is coming from overhead, like a hanging light bulb or fluorescent light, it can make the image look very flat (and ugly). Try using a reflector in this situation to “bounce back” light into the subject’s eyes or another light source to fill in the shadows created by the overhead light.

Basic Lighting Kit:

•  3 lights and 3 stands
• Gels and diffusers
• Crocodile clips or wood clothes pins
• Extension cables

 Don’t forget Safety!

Electric lights can be dangerous, especially tungsten lights which can get VERY hot. It is highly recommended to have a second person with you when dealing with lights. Lights are unstable and can easily fall or get pulled down.

• Place chords out of walking areas if possible or tape them down so that people won’t trip on them.
• Keep lights away from entrances where they can get knocked over by a door opening.
• Make sure there is nothing flammable around the light or you risk starting a fire.
• Let the lights cool down after they’ve been switched off.

 

Other Lighting Resouces:

Lighting Tips for a Home Studio

Lighting Tutorial