Three Point Lighting

The typical form of professional lighting in a video production and also a still photography is three-point lighting. It entails the use of three light sources at three different locations. It is possible to adjust how light and shadow fall on a subject by changing the size, distance, intensity, and position of these light sources, as well as their degree angle, to create various moods. 

The three point lighting consists of the Key light, Fill light and Back light. The key light is the In the three-point lighting set, this is the main and strongest light source. It determines the total exposure of a scene. This main light is often placed on a light stand at a 45-degree angle to the camera, slightly off to the side of the camera and in front of the subject, creating shadows on the opposite side of the subject's face, giving it perspective and depth. The tone of a scene is set by the primary light. It also can create a high-key or low-key image where it depends on its position and the additional lights used in the overall lighting set up.

The fill light consists of The fill light, which is mirrored on the other side of the camera, physically fills in the shadows cast by the key light on a subject, bringing out different characteristics in the dark. Cinematographers influence the overall feel of their images by dimming or brightening the fill light, which is typically less bright than the key. A dark fill light with a high fill ratio produces a high-contrast, film noir-style shadow, and a brighter light gives a more equal ratio on the chosen subject.

The backlight, which is the third source in this lighting setup, shines on the subject from behind, to be able to complete the full lighting setup. This forms a ring of light or an outline around their head, which serves to separate them from the background while still providing depth. Backlights are often placed behind the subject , in opposition to the primary light, and directed at the back of the chosen person's neck by filmmakers.

Reference : Staff, M., 2022. What Is Three-Point Lighting? Learn About the Lighting Technique and Tips For the Best Three-Point Lighting Setups. [online] Master Class. Available at: <https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-three-point-lighting-learn-about-the-lighting-technique-and-tips-for-the-best-three-point-lighting-setups#what-is-threepoint-lighting> [Accessed 19 May 2022].