Lighting techniques

Lighting Techniques

Three Point Lighting

Three lighting is a common method used in all types of media. It is one of the most simple ways to achieve strong and complete lighting. There are types of lighting used in this technique known as key light, fill light and black light. Sometimes you may not use three lights, if that is the case, if you're only using one that will be the key light, if you're using two lights, the main will be the key light and the other will be fill or backlight.

Key Light

Usually, this is the main and the strongest light. It holds the most influence of the object in the scene. It is place to any see of the camera, to light one side and create a shadow among the other side. 

Fill Light

Fill light is the second light placed to the opposite side of the key light. It's use is to fill the shadows made by the key light. To do so it must be softer than the key light, so is usually further away from the object or has more of a flood light effect than the key.

Back Light

Unlike the fill and key, the back light is placed to the rear of the subject. It is used to provide definition around the subject as well as highlight the outlines of it. It does not provide direct lighting for the subject dissimilar to fill and key. By doing so, it creates a more three-dimensional look and removes the subjects from just being part of the background. 

Types of Lighting

Hard Light

Hard light is when the source is direct, such as from the sun. It is normally uninterrupted from the source from the subject. 

Soft Light

Soft light creates the affect of being around the subject. It often produces weak and less numerous shadows. 

Flood

A light not as narrowly focused usually is a broad beam of light with no direction. 

Spot

A focused and controlled light on the subject.

-Caera Mendez