Example of Low Key Lighting
Example of High Key Lighting
Three Point Lighting
In essence, three-point lighting is a technique or lighting setup where a subject in a scene is illuminated from three different points by three light sources. It is more of a guidance for positioning your light sources to illuminate your subject and scene than a formula or predetermined standard. This lighting setup can help create a particular mood.
In this setup you have three distinct lights or light positions;
- The Key Light
- The Fill Light
- The Backlight
Key Light
The key light is the brightest light in your scene and your major source of illumination. The key light light will influence how well your scene and subject are exposed overall. It is often placed in front of the subject and off to one side (45-degree angle) to add depth and dimension. The shadows cast create depth and dimension when the object is off-center in relation to your subject. The placement of your key light is essential since it determines the tone of your scene.
Fill Light
The fill light fills in the shadows that the key light leaves on a subject, bringing out details in the shadows. The fill light is opposite the key light at a 45-degree angle. Cinematographers can influence the overall mood of their shots by adjusting how much fill light to use. The fill light is often less bright than the key light. However, the fill light doesn’t have to be a light source; it can also be a wall, a bounce card, a reflector, or anything else that reflects light back onto the subject to reduce the shadows. The fill light creates the ambiance of a scene along with the key light.
Backlight
The backlight, the third source in triangular lighting, shines on a subject from behind and completes the setup. It is also referred to as the “rim light” or the “hair light.” This separates the subject from the background and gives them depth by creating a rim of light or outline around their head. The backlight is typically set up behind the subject and high enough to be out of the frame, opposite the key light, and aimed at the subject’s head.
Working With Minimal Lights
Work with the available light. Depending on you shooting atmosphere use the sun, a reflector, or whatever lights you have.
Use of a Reflector
The reflector acts like a fill light: it bounces some light back toward the dense shadow areas and slows down falloff.
Use the Sun
You can use the window light as a back light or even a key. For example, when using the window as a back light, you need to position the subject in such a way that the light strikes from the side and back; then position the key light and the camera.
