Portrait Lighting Guide

Three-point lighting helps achieve even lighting during a photo shoot.

Portrait lighting enables a studio photographer to create even lighting to a illuminate a photographic model during a shoot. Commonly known as the Three Point Lighting System in the photography field, this system consist of three lights: the key light, the fill light and the back light.

Key Light

The key light serves as the main light that is used to illuminate the subject. This light is placed on either the left or right side of the photographic model. The key light sets the tone for the amount of light that will be placed on the model during the shoot.

Fill Light

The fill light fills in shadows that appear on the photographic model. This light is positioned on the opposite side of the key light and serves to maintain even lighting on the front area of the photographic model.

Back Light

The back light, also known as the hair light, is placed behind the photographic model. Back lights create a separation between the model and its background, adding dimension to the model itself. The back light is necessary to prevent the model from looking flat.

References

• Ohio State University: Three Point Lighting
• Media College: Standard Three Point Lighting Technique
• DIY Photography: The Basics of Three Point Lighting