Three point lighting can be quite effective during a certain type of documentary. It is best fitted in a situation where the camera is focused on a lone person standing in a statutory position talking into the camera. The three points that makes up three point lighting is key, fill and back lights.
The key light’s job is to illuminate the scene. Its position is 10 to 45 degrees horizontally from the front. Position the light far enough back so that there isn’t a glare on the subject, yet still offers sufficient lighting.
A spotlight works best for this sort of lighting. Make sure that the light isn’t too harsh by pinning a piece of milky plastic to the barn doors. On the other side, you don’t want the key light too soft. Work with it until it is perfect.
The fill light sits to the opposite side of the key light. It needs to be 5 to 60 degrees from the key light. What the fill light does is light the off-key portion of the face and fill the eye, nose and neck by removing some of the contrast.
You need to position the fill light correctly, so set it up in the prime position. Start by watching the monitor. You don’t want to wash out the key light, but still soften the face and shadows. Move the light forwards and backwards until the shadows on the face seems natural.
The back light is placed behind the subject and is positioned high above their head. A small spotlight can be used for this. You can decide on which side, left or right, that the back light should be placed. Just a tip; it works best on the same side as the key light.
To position the back light, think of these key points:
· The support should be outside of the frame. Mounting the light with a lateral arm will accomplish this.
· The intensity should be balanced with the other two lights. To do this, use metal screens or a dimmer.
· Remove the threat of glare by keeping the light from reflecting off the lens of the camcorder. Adjusting the top barn door on the light can help with the removal of the glare.
The three point lighting serves it purpose and can be very effective in certain situations. If it is done wrong, it can come off as cheesy. But, when done correctly, in the right situation, it can be completely beautiful and professional.