Three-point lighting

In short: Three-point lighting is a classic lighting set-up for film, video and portrait photography. It works with a key light, a fill light and a back light.

In more detail: Each of the three lights has its own job: giving shape, softening shadows and separating the subject from the background. The set-up is a starting point that you adapt depending on the mood you want.

In detail

• Key light: The brightest light usually stands to one side in front of the person, often at roughly a 45-degree angle, and determines the direction and character of the lighting.
• Fill light: A weaker light on the other side lightens the shadows without removing them completely; a reflector is often enough.
• Back light: A light behind the person, angled from above, draws a bright edge on hair and shoulders and separates them from the background.
• Lighting ratio: The ratio of key to fill light decides whether a picture looks soft and friendly or contrasty and dramatic.
• Soft and hard light: Large light sources such as softboxes create soft shadows, while small, direct lamps produce hard shadows with clear edges.
• High key and low key: Bright pictures with few shadows are called high key, dark pictures with a lot of shadow low key.
• Background light: A fourth lamp is often added to brighten the background in a targeted way or give it colour.
• With little equipment: A window as the key light, a white wall or piece of card as a fill and a small lamp from behind are enough for first attempts.
• Mind the colour temperature: All lights should ideally have the same colour temperature, otherwise unwanted colour casts appear (weissabgleich-und-farbtemperatur, portraetfotografie-tipps, blitz-richtig-nutzen).