3 Point lighting; A review of what it is.

3 Point lightingWhen filming your image will be of a 2D origin, with lights we can give meaning and a 3D look to an object, so it doesnt look like a flat image. A basic lighting technique used to do this is the 3 point lighting technique.

3 points to 3 point lighting!

• Key light- This is the main light point. 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 so that this side is well lit.

• Fill light- This is the secondary light point 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 light.

• 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.

A helpful site i recommend to view this technique; Three point lighting simulator