Editing Three-point lighting (section)

== Setup ==

=== Key Light ===
The ''[[key light]]'', as the name suggests, shines directly upon the subject and serves as its principal illuminator; more than anything else, the strength, color and angle of the key determines the shot's overall lighting design.

In indoor shots, the key is commonly a specialized lamp, or a camera's flash. In outdoor daytime shots, the [[Sun]] often serves as the key light. In this case, of course, the photographer cannot set the light in the exact position they want, so instead arranges the shot to best capture the sunlight, perhaps after waiting for the sun to position itself just right.

=== Fill Light ===
[[File:3-point lighting.ogv|thumb|An animated demonstration of three-point lighting|thumbtime=0]]
The ''[[fill light]]'' also shines on the subject, but from a side angle relative to the key and is often placed at a lower position than the key (about at the level of the subject's face). It balances the key by illuminating shaded surfaces, and lessening or eliminating [[chiaroscuro]] effects, such as the shadow cast by a person's nose upon the rest of the face. It is usually [[Soft light|softer]] and less bright than the key light, up to half the amount. Not using a fill at all can result in stark contrasts (due to shadows) across the subject's surface, depending upon the key light's harshness. Sometimes, as in [[low-key lighting]], this is a deliberate effect, but shots intended to look more natural and less stylistic require a fill.

In some situations a photographer can use a reflector (such as a piece of white cardstock mounted off-camera, or even a white-painted wall) as a fill light instead of an actual lamp. Reflecting and redirecting the key light's rays back upon the subject from a different angle can cause a softer, subtler effect than using another lamp.

=== Backlight ===
The back, hair, or shoulder light shines on the subject from behind, typically, though not necessarily, to one side. Backlight is different from a kick or kicker in that it contributes to a portion of the shading on the visible surface of the subject.

[[Backlighting (lighting design)|Backlighting]] provides the subject a rim of light, which separates the subject from the background and highlights contours. This creates a thin outline around the subject without necessarily hitting its front visible surface.
<gallery widths="225px" heights="225px">
File:Three point lighting front.jpg|Three-point lighting from front
File:Three point lighting back.jpg|Three-point lighting from back
</gallery>