Basics: Lighting - 3 Point Lighting

In between film things going on, I thought I'd cover some of the lessons we have learnt over time. Some will be basic, some more advanced and I thought I'd start with something basic.

3 Point Lighting
If you understand 3 point lighting then you're well on the way to having a good handle on lighting (well enough to get by). 3 point lighting is a standard method of lighting and will give a pretty decent look.

For 3 point lighting, you need, guess how many lights? Yep, 3.

The first light would be your main light and is called the key light. It is placed so that it is to the side of the camera, illuminating the subject so that one side is well lit and the other has some shadow.

Light number 2 is the fill light and this is placed on the opposite side to the key light. It is used to fill in some of the shadows cast by the key light and soften them up. The fill light is usually softer than the key.

Light number 3 is the back light. The back light is placed behind the subject and is used to provide highlight and definition rather than direct lighting.

To see 3 point lighting in action have a look at the 3-Point Lighting Simulator