Most “video” issues appear to be “camera” related issues; however, they are usually “lighting” related issues. A cheap video camera with sufficient lighting will out perform a high-priced video camera with poor lighting more often than not.
This is why three-point lighting has been the fundamental base of professional film, television, and video productions since the early years of Hollywood. It’s easy, doesn’t take an extensive lighting system, but does require an understanding of the function of each light and how to properly place them.
What three-point lighting really does
One light source produces excessive harshness and removes depth. Three properly placed lights create definition in the subject, remove unwanted shadows from the subject, and define the subject from its background. These are the only functions that three-Point lighting performs.
MasterClass describes three-point lighting as a “standard method for illuminating a subject using three different positions.” The lighting arrangement used to illuminate a subject for a YouTube video is identical to that used in a corporate interview or product presentation.
The three lights defined
Key light
The key light is the main light source. It defines the brightest aspect of the shot and ultimately sets the tone for the entire shot. Position the key light at approximately a 45-degree angle to the subject, slightly higher than eye-level, on either side of the camera. While some experimentation may be necessary to achieve the desired effect, 45 degrees is generally considered to be the safest position when establishing a basic video lighting configuration for most applications.
When utilizing a key light, it is possible to obtain both sharp shadows (dramatic), or softened shadows (flattering). The key light can be diffused using a softbox or bounced off a surface such as a wall to produce softer, more flattering results. In general, soft keys are preferred for interviews and other types of talking-head content.
Fill Light
The Fill Light is located on the opposite side of the camera as the key light. The purpose of the Fill Light is to reduce or eliminate the shadows created by the key light, while providing additional illumination to help maintain a more even tone throughout the subject area. Set the Fill Light to approximately half of the key light’s strength. With this setting you’ll establish a 2:1 ratio which is ideal for creating a more natural, professional appearance. Artlist suggests you consider the Fill Light as follows: “if you’re running a 500-watt key light, you would want to use a 250-watt fill.”
While you don’t necessarily have to purchase a second fixture to provide Fill Light, it is also possible to utilize a reflector or bouncy card to bounce the key light toward the subject. Depending upon your equipment budget, this option is free.
Back light
The backlight (rim light/hair light) is located behind and above the subject. The purpose of the backlight is to create a subtle rim of light surrounding the subject, separating it visually from the background. The absence of a backlight causes the subject to merge with the background, resulting in reduced visual interest.
Be sure to avoid having your backlight enter into your frame as this will cause lens flare which reduces contrast and detracts from your overall image quality. Utilize barn doors, flags, or adjust the position of your backlight until you no longer notice any flare. One of the most common mistakes made during a three-point lighting setup is allowing lens flare from the backlight to enter into your frame.
Step-by-Step instructions for setting-up three-point lighting
To ensure that all of your lights work together as intended, follow these steps in sequence. Changing one light affects how another light appears and therefore, sequencing will save you from constantly switching back and forth between lights.
Begin with all lights turned-off and darkness present in the room. Pull down curtains/blinds and switch off any existing ambient lighting. Remove any other light sources prior to introducing your new ones.
First, position your key light
Position your key light at approximately a 45-degree angle to your subject, slightly above eye-level. Turn off all other lights and view your subject. You should be able to see shadows under/around your subjects eyes and nose which indicate a sense of depth and dimensionality without being overly harsh.
Secondly, add your Fill Light
Turn-on your Fill Light and position it on the opposite side of your camera as your key light. Dial-in your Fill Light to approximately 50% of your key light’s strength. Check for detail within your shadow areas. If your fill-light is too strong, the image will appear flat.
Thirdly, position your back-light
Position your back-light directly behind and above your subject, focusing on the rear portion of their head and shoulders. Start at a low setting and slowly increase power until you see a crisp rim around your subject without over-exposure of their edges.
Mark each stand position
After achieving balance among your lights, mark each stand location with tape so that you can easily reproduce your original lighting setup in future shoots.
Lighting Ratios – how to create different moods using different lighting ratio settings
The relationship between your key-light and fill-light establishes the mood of your image. By modifying this relationship, you can move from an inviting/commercial look to one that is dramatic/cinematic.
- 1:1 ratio (fill = key): flat, even, no shadows. Ideal for comedies, commercials and beauty content where you want the subject(s) to appear bright/appealing.
- 2:1 ratio (fill = 50% key): softer shadows/natural depth. The default for interviews, YouTube videos/vlogs and most professional video work.
- 4:1 ratio (fill = 25% key): noticeable shadows/higher contrast. Suitable for dramatic storytelling/content where emotional tone is more important than flattery.
- 8:1 ratio (fill very weak): dark/deep shadows. Thriller/horror/film noir style. According to Vimeo, your key-light generates drama and your fill-light determines how much drama you expose.
High-key vs. Low-key lighting
These terms refer to the overall aesthetic/mood of your lighting setup and not simply how bright your key-light is. Understanding the differences between high-key and low-key lighting allows you to choose the best lighting configuration based on your specific content type.
High-key lighting utilizes lower ratios (1:1 or 1.5:1) with soft/even illumination. Read as positive/upbeat: used primarily for beauty/lifestyle/corporate interviews.
Low-key lighting utilizes higher ratios (4:1 & above) where your key-light is dominant with deep/sharp shadows. Read as moody/dramatic/high contrast. Typically utilized in cinema-based content and/or any scenario where you want the audience to experience tension.
Four-Point lighting
With three lights established, you can now introduce a fourth light to illuminate your background independently from your subject. Four-Point lighting is defined as Four individual lights with each focused on a unique area of your scene.
Your background light (fourth light) is positioned either above or below the frame, directed toward whatever wall/background element exists behind your subject. The purpose of placing a background light is to prevent over-darkening of your background and add depth to your overall composition, giving you greater control over how your background appears without affecting your subject’s lighting.
Utilizing colored gel filters on your background light enables you to achieve creative separation between your subject and background or leave it neutral to blend with the remainder of your studio lighting setup. Do not overdo it – adding too much light to your background will pull attention away from your subject.
Available options for light sources – recommended equipment kits
You do not need extremely expensive lighting equipment. Consider your available options:
- LED panels
- Variable brightness
- Bi-color temperature adjustment
- Low heat generation
- Practical application for solo shooters/small studios
Choose an LED panel with a CRI rating >95 for accurate representation of human skin tones.
Soft boxes/diffusion convert hard/bright continuous/LED lights into soft key lights
For interviews/talking-head content, purchasing a softbox is likely one of the greatest impact investments you can make. Larger modifiers provide softer lighting effects.
Reflectors/bounce cards replace many fill-lights. In addition to replacing many fill-lights, reflectors/bounce cards can serve as effective tools for directing/redirecting existing light onto various parts of your scene.
Portable battery-powered LED panels provide similar quality output to mains-powered units – give you flexibility to shoot anywhere – social media video production & run-n-gun content where mobility matters.
Frequently encountered errors in three-Point lighting configurations
Missing backlight – the most frequently encountered error in three-Point lighting configurations and one that will make a huge visual impact – without rim lighting, subjects tend to get lost against backgrounds – images lose depth.
Fill too strong – when fill intensity exceeds that of the key intensity, images appear flat/flat-looking – shadows add depth – protect them!
Backlight entering frame/lens flare – lens flare caused by direct contact between backlight and lens degrades contrast/image quality – flagging off/backlight re-positioning prior to capturing footage are potential solutions.
Testing before capturing footage – test/capture short clip prior to shooting actual footage – evaluate footage on monitor/post capture – what appears fine to naked eye often reads differently on camera.
Recording markings – failure to record/document positions of stands will result in at least 20 minutes of reproduction time next time around – taping is only 30 seconds
FAQ
Can I use just three lights?
You may be able to get by with fewer than three depending upon your situation. In many cases, a bounce card or reflector will give you the fill light needed. If you are using a single light as both key and backlight, simply place your white foam core or another wall on the other side of the camera to provide some fill. Most interviews and YouTube content is easily managed with a two-light system (back and key) and a third light providing an amount of fill via a reflector. This method has been used for years and saves money.
What is the Best 3-Point Lighting Setup for Your YouTube Videos?
A soft key light placed at a 45-degree angle from your face, a reflector or dimmed fill light on the opposite side of your head at a 2:1 ratio, and a rim light positioned directly above and behind your head. Make sure that each of these lights is emitting the same color temperature (5500K to 6000K provides a “clean” or “daylight” look). A 1.5:1 or 2:1 ratio works well in creating a professional yet relatable appearance when recording in front of a camera. This is generally preferred in non-cinema formats.
Conclusion
In general, it takes a lot longer to set up for three-point lighting than it actually does once you’ve done it. It’s not rocket science… there’s nothing wrong with looking like you know what you’re doing. Set your key, then your fill, then your back light; and adjust the levels based upon how dramatic you want the lighting to appear.
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