3 Point Lighting Research

What is 3 point lighting?

3 point lighting is a common lighting method when there is three sources of lighting that includes the High Key, Low Key and Fill lightings. This set up is usually used for photo shoots, CGI and films. All three lightings are equally as important because each one has a role meaning that this method is easily manageable for photographers 

Source: Google Images

Functions of each equipment together

For example, the High key is the main lighting source which shows off the features of a model the most as it is the brightest one out of the two other ones. It usually has the most influence to the subject as it's the brightest and the most noticeable one. This equipment is almost always placed to one side (left or right) of the camera or the subject in order to create a shadow on the other side and light up the other creating a sight silhouette from the background and enhancing the colours of the main subject. This trick also creates more depth to the photograph or the model. High key lighting is important because it can create a certain mood and tension between the audience depending in what environment, colour and contrast it is used in.

The Fill Lighting is also important because it fills in the shadows which are created by the High Key. This equipment is placed mostly on the opposite side of the High key and it is mostly less intense in terms of colour and brightness meaning that it is a lot softer than the main Key lighting, this technique is also useful because it softens the shadow made from the Key. This effect is achievable if you move the equipment slightly further away or use a spun. Fill Lighting gives the image or the film a sense of dimension as if the subject is right before the viewers eye and it might show off the details of the subject in the shadowed area.

Finally, The back light called the Low key has a purpose of providing highlight and definition around the subject's outlines which creates a silhouette and separates the subject from the background which provides a 3 dimensional look. This piece of equipment is usually placed behind the model from the rear so the camera does not see it.

Functions of each equipment on it's own 
High Key:
Each individual lighting will look different without the other two. For example, High Key lighting will create and intense shadow if it is used from the side making the mood of the scene look serious or even mysterious as the facial parts of the model are absent. This can be used in horror films to create suspense. If the light is used from the front, it can make the model look youthful because the light from the front won't create any shadows on the face.

Low Key:
Low key lighting is usually used with a fill lighting or a reflector instead of a traditional 3 point lighting. This type of lighting contours the side of an object or a person which can create a very bright outline behind the model.

Fill Lighting:

This type of lighting isn't usually used on it's own as it is a weak and soft light, meaning it is mostly used to soften sharp shadows.

How will this impact my plans?

Since I'd like to have a strong (yellow/orange) light behind the model, I would either use a natural source of light such as the sun or I'll use a studio light with a filter or edit the colour in Adobe Photoshop. I've also decided to use this technique and add High Key and Low Key lighting to show off the details in the models face. I believe I'll be using a gold reflector to create a nice tone to the photograph. Therefore, I believe I'll most likely use the light facing 45% to the side and a golden reflector on the opposite of the main light including the back light.