Three Point Lighting technique

The three point lighting technique is produced by three types of lights, i.e., key light, fill light and back light. These lights are classified on the basis of its functions. Key light illuminates the major portion of the scene and it is the main source of illumination. It produces a level of light that creates proper exposure. Basically flood lights are used to for key lighting.

The area that is away from the range of key light will remain dark. This area is filled with illumination using a fill light. It is the source that partially illuminates dark areas. It is used to soften the harsh shadows created by the key light. The intensity of a fill light will be comparatively lesser than a key light. It reduces the contrast between bright and dark sides.

The back light is used to separate the subject from the background and create a three dimensional effect. It is used to enhance the depth of the scene. It is applied from a higher level behind the subject which is opposite to the camera. For the purpose of production the intensity of light is controlled by using barn doors. The lights will be mounted on two types of grids. One is slung lamps which are attached to the ceiling of the studio and pointing downwards. Lights are also fixed on floor stands of adjustable heights called stand lamps.