Three Point Lighting

Three point lighting uses three different lights named the key light, fill light, and back light. If you just have the one light then this specific light will become the key. If you only have two lights, one will be the key and the second will be either the fill or the back light.


Key Light


This would always be the main light. It's typically the strongest light and has the most effect on the look of the scene. It's placed to one specific side of the camera so it is well lit and the less prominent side of the shot has more shadows.


Fill Light


This would be the secondary light and is placed on the opposite side of the key light. This light is used to cover shadows from the Key Light. A fill light is typically weaker and less bright than the key, in order to accomplish this, you could reposition the light.


Back Light


A Back Light is positioned to the rear of the subject and lights it from behind. Instead of providing direct light it is to accumulate definition and subtle highlights around the subject's borders. This will then differentiate the subject in the distance. It also provides a look in three dimensions.