Delighting with Three Point Lighting!

Three point lighting is a production set up used commonly in photography, videography and cinematography. It's important for students interested in these areas to understand the importance of this concept and how to make it happen using three studio or field lights.

I had my TV production and editing students go into our studio and properly execute and photograph three point lighting.

In this photo, Isaiah Hughes (seated left) is being interviewed by Shay Bowman. Wymark Barton is operating the video camera.

The three lights are called the following: key light, side/fill light, and back/hair light.

Key light (right light): this is the primary light positioned over the interviewer's shoulder (Isaiah Hughes) used to illuminate the guest's face (Stephen Mason)

Fill/Side light (center): fills in the shadows created by the key light so the light is even across the guest's face

Back/hair light (left): illuminates the space behind the guest's head so he/she stands out from the background

Here's how three point lighting is defined on Wikipedia: "By using three separate positions, the photographer can illuminate the shot's subject (such as a person) however desired, while also controlling (or eliminating entirely) the shading and shadows produced by direct lighting."

Jalen Ryant, in the photo at the right, is the guest. Marshall Padgett is the interviewer and Wymark Barton is on the right.

I also had the students take this photograph, which offers a neat perspective on the video interview scenario.

The three point lighting end result is an appealing and pleasant close up shot of Isaiah's face.

Time for Naheka Sumpter's closeup!

Wymark Barton's time to shine!

For a video tutorial on the three point lighting concept and set up, click here.