Three Point Lighting


The simplest lighting setup is an arrangement of three lighting fixtures. The objective is to create the illusion of three-dimensional space in a two-dimensional medium. Each fixture has a specific name and function. The understanding of each component and its application will allow for greater creative freedom when developing an image.
    KEY LIGHT: The main source of illumination. It establishes light direction, shadow formation and motivation.
    FILL LIGHT: is used to control the density of shadows produced by the Key light. The fill light is one of the most under rated lights. It helps in setting the mood of a scene and brings out detail in the shadow areas.
    BACK LIGHT: Is optional. Used to separate an object from the background. It can create depth and reveal form in a composition of a picture.
The placement and direction of the key light will be based on the subject and the effect you want to create. All light positions are viewed from camera axis. The images and diagrams listed below will explore light fixture placement and its effect. You may want to review the section on Light Direction before continuing. We will begin the exploration with the Key Light.



KEY LIGHT

The three photos will demonstrate the placement of the Key light in three different locations. Each creating it's own effect.

A clock face scheme will be employed for this purpose.



The first diagram is an overhead view. The light has been placed at 6 o'clock and directly over the camera. The second diagram shows the height and angle set at two o'clock. I will refer to all positions as "O" for overhead view and "H" for height. The above will read O6-H2.

(Click on images below for larger view in a new window)

Frontal light: O6-H2

The subject's face will display some details with small shadow areas under the nose, eyebrows and jaw.

¾ light: O8-H2
Moving the light to the left. You begin to notice more detail in the face. (Chin, lips, nose) Shadow areas become apparent. Facial structure is enhanced.

Sidelight: O9-H2
At 90 degrees to the camera, the light wraps around one side of the face. Angles and curves in the face become more prominent. Notice the lower portion of the face.



FILL LIGHT

The fill light is used in conjunction with the key light. Its main purpose is to lighten the shadow area produced by the key. The amount of light you apply with the fill will determine effect or mood of your the subject.

Key = O8H2 Fill = O4H2
Key = O9H2 Fill = O4H2

The two images above demonstrate the effect of the fill light. The shadow side of the face has been lightened slightly. This allows detail to be brought out in the shadow areas.
The contrast between the Key and Fill been kept high in order to preserve the effect of the Key light.



BACK LIGHT

The back light is used to separate a subject from the background. It is sometimes referred to as a hair light or kicker. Any fixture placed behind the subject can be referred to as a back light. However, these two lights have a specific function:
    Hair light is a narrow controlled beam that will accentuate the hair.
    Kicker is used for separation from the background. A narrow controlled beam that lights the side or back of the subject.



Back = O12H10
Subject is in silhouette.



Kicker: Notice the way it wraps around the side of the head. This light can be used in addition to a back light.



THREE POINT LIGHTING


Key = O7H2
Fill = O5H2
Back = O12H10


The image above shows the effect created when these three fixtures are combined. As you can see, the key light placed in different areas has a dramatic effect on the subject. The fill lightens the shadow area while the back light highlights the hair and shoulder area in the image. The combined effect helps to create interest in the subject, detail, separation and volume.



Three things to consider when creating an image.
    Subject: What type of face does the person have?
    There are five different types of facial structures:



    Representation: What is the picture going too be used for?
    Is it portraiture, advertisement?

    Mood: What type of mood do you wish to get across in the picture?
    Somber, happy, dramatic, horror, thoughtful, contemplative . . . etc.

Each of these questions should be considered. They will help to formulate ideas on how to approach lighting a subject.


To close, I would like to state that these examples are only a starting point. The effect of light on an object or person is subjective. There is no right or wrong. However, it is necessary to build a foundation of understanding.

Lighting fixtures are like hammer and chisel. They allow you to sculpt with light. Each stroke can create or destroy. Experimentation and experience is the only way to learn. Today more then ever there are tools and information that will help you find your way. You can find a list of books that I recommend on the Books page.

Thank you, Larry

Special thanks to my students: Jason D'Aversa, Mike Simmonds and Margarita Jimeno. For their work on the Photo images.