Lighting
Three Point Lighting
PHOTOGRAPHY: Lighting
"Three point lighting system" consists of:
1. The KEY LIGHT
Illuminates from the upper front - typically just off to one side to keep the subject from appearing "washed out" in light
A FLASH on you camera can act as a key light, but it's hard to control - studios may alter or turn off the camera's flash
2. The FILL LIGHT
Is softer, and gently "fills in" shadows made by the key light
May be angled from beneath the subject
3. The BACK LIGHT (or Hair Light, Kicker Light)
Better Illuminates hair and clothing to distinguish it from your background
Additionally: BACKGROUND LIGHTING
Allows you to control the relative brightness, consistency and spotlighting to add variety to your shoot
Position Your LIGHTING
POOR
If the sun is behind your subject, the camera will close the shutter and create a silouette.
COMPETENT
Keeping the sun behind you is better, but your subject will have to squint on a sunny day, and harsh shadows may appear in the eyes
EXCELLENT
Position your KEY LIGHT source to the side of your subject, and if possible, look for a surface to reflect a FILL LIGHT on the shadowed side.
A wall works very well, but note that the colour is also reflected onto your subject
Use Your Flash OUTDOORS
POOR
If your subject is standing in shade, the background illumination can overwhelm the subject
EXCELLENT
Turning on your flash outdoors can ensure that anything within 8 feet or so is illuminated. Note that the harsh shadows are also eliminated from the subject because they are in diffused, shaded light
Turn OFF Your Flash INDOORS
Although it seems counter intuitive, learning to turn OFF your flash for indoor shots can often make them much more pleasant!
Built-In Flashes tend to wash out and "flatten" your subject.
Ambient room lighting can be more flattering, but you need a steady hand, or better yet a tripodto keep the slower shutter speed from creating motion blur.
Be mindful that you still need a KEY LIGHT that is in FRONT of the subject. It helps to have a FILL LIGHT nearby as well.