The Three-Point Lighting Concept
Typically, portrait photographs are lit with three light sources in combination. They are known as the key light, the fill light and back light. This is not a hard-and-fast rule, however. The key light can create a wonderful portrait image without the use of any other light sources. Once you understand the relationship of these light sources, then you’ll know when you can use just one, or two or all three.
1. The Key Light is the same as the side light source explained in Part 1 of this article, and is considered the main light in the three-point lighting concept. Placing the light at a 45-degree angle to and slightly above your subject creates more dimension and depth, with just enough shadows. You eliminate the flat look of a frontal light source, but there is still light on the subject’s face. Set your exposure by the key light, and then adjust your other lights, accordingly.
2. The Fill Light is so named because it fills the lighting “gaps” of the key light. The fill light softens the direct shadows caused by the key light. The fill light also balances the contrast, so it’s visible, but subtler. With the fill light properly placed, the people in your digital portrait photos will truly come alive. Think of the fill light as the delicate brush a painter would use on the details. You also want to use it lightly and sparingly. The fill light is a secondary source to the key, or main, light.
The Fill Light could be a light fixture as well as reflected light from the key light or the sun outdoors. You can buy a photo reflector or simply use a large white art board. Whether you are using a light fixture or a reflector, you’ll want to move your fill light to various positions and angles to determine which create the best light on your subject. In many cases, the fill light is positioned at the opposite 45-degree angle, but you may have to lower or raise it slightly and/or move it further from the subject than the key light, so it remains secondary to the main light.
3. The Back Light can add even more dimensionality to your digital photo portraits by showing a subtle separation between your subject and the background. The back light can illuminate the background, so it’s not just a dark, unrecognizable mass behind your subject. Its other use is to illuminate the back of the subject. Often, the back light is placed high and behind the subject at an angle to light the hair or the side of the face. The back light is also a secondary light to the main light and should be positioned according to your camera’s exposure by the main light.
This three-point lighting technique is the secret to making your digital photo portraits very special for you and your subjects, who are sure to be happy with the results.
Recommended Reading:
- Portrait Photographer's Handbook
- 500 Poses for Photographing Women
- 500 Poses for Photographing Men
- Posing for Portrait Photography: A Head-to-Toe Guide for Digital Photographers
- Doug Box's Guide to Posing for Portrait Photographers
- Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers
- Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It: Learn Step by Step How to Go from Empty Studio to Finished Image
Photo by PhotographyTalk member Finsen Chang