Michael Dunningham
THREE POINT LIGHTING
Lighting is one of the most important aspects to think about when filming. The three point lighting system is the most recognized lighting set up used today. It uses three main lights known as the key light, back light and fill light. Having three lights from three different positions will create a sense of depth on the subject.
KEY LIGHT
The key light is the main light and is used to illuminate the subject and is usually placed 15-45 degrees from one side of the camera and angled down 15-45 degrees down from above the subject. Within a scene this light would represent a point source of light for example the sun or a light bulb.
FILL LIGHT
The fill light is positioned after the key light as it casts a harsh shadow on one side of the subject opposite to the key light. The fill light is placed there to reduce the shadow but not remove it entirely as shadow gives a sense of depth. When using the fill light it doesn’t need to be as bright as the key light or as high as it is meant to simulate another light source or light which being reflected off other services.
BACK LIGHT
The back is placed directly behind the subject opposite the camera, however it must be placed high enough so the light isn’t directly facing the camera as this can cause camera flare. This light is used to create distance and separation from he background, this is to prevent the subject from looking two-dimensional, this is sometimes referred to as the halo effect.
ALTERING THE MOOD
For example if you are trying to create a comedy or a light hearted production then a simple but very good technique would be to just turn the fill light up and this will evenly light up the subject and will therefore create a jollier mood. However if the production is more dramatic then simply turn the fill down to increase the shadow as darker lighting will create suspense and a higher level of tension for the audience.
Lighting Temperatures
Light temperatures are measured in kelvins (k) and are a key aspect to take into when deciding on what lighting to use for the scene.
1,700 K - Light From a Flame - Light from a flame
1,850 K - Sunset/Sunrise– sunset/sunrise
2,700- 3,300 K – Lamps
3,000 K – Soft white Fluorescent lamps
3,200 K – Studio Lamps
3,350 K – Studio “CP” light
4,100- 4,150 K - Moonlight
5000 K – Horizon Daylight
5,000 K – Daylight
5,500 K – 6,000 K – Electronic Flash
6,500 K – Overcast Daylight
5,500 – 10,500 K – LCD Screen
15,000 – 27,000 K – Clear Blue Sky
Here is a basic three point lighting set up that is primarily used for interviews.
