How to Use Three-Point Lighting

Three-point lighting is a very common lighting technique that employs three separate light sources used together to allow the photographer to illuminate the subject however they desire, and also giving more control over the shading and shadows produced by direct lighting. The 3 lights are named: Key light, fill light, and back light. Follow these guidelines to better use these types of lighting together in a photo studio setting.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 adjustable studio lamps
• A camera flash
• A large piece of white poster board of cardstock

1. 
    

   The key light is your main source of light that shines directly upon the subject and serves as the major lighting factor of the 3. The strength, color and angle of the key light determines the picture's overall lighting design. A bright studio light, camera flash, or even the sun are commonly used as the key light.

2. 
    

   The second type of light in this system is fill light. It will also be shining onto the subject, but from more of an angle rather than directly. It should balance the key light by illuminating shaded areas on the subject such as deep shadows on a person's face caused by the bright key light. It is usually a softer and less bright light than the key light who's main purpose is to help create a more natural lighting feel.

3. 
    

   The back light should shine on the subject from behind either directly or at an angle to give the subject a rim of light. This light rim surrounding the edges of the subject will help to separate the subject from the background and highlight the subject's form.

4. 
    

   Using these 3 lights together in this method should give the photographer more control over shadows and shading while giving your subject a more defined and natural look.

Tips & Warnings

• This method can also be used to a stylistic advantage. It will give you a lot of control over shadows to help you achieve a creative style or abstract atmosphere with different lighting positions.
• A large piece of white poster board or cardstock positioned off to the side that is angled to reflect light onto the subject can also work well as fill light.