Here i have an example of the different stages of “3 stage lighting”

First, before we have any specific points of light added, we have a very flat and uninteresting picture. This is because there are very few shadows being cast that make it interesting.

 

 

 

 

 

The next stage is to add a Key Light.  A key light comes from the front on on side and is the brightest light, that makes it the key light.

After the Key light we need to add what is known as a fill light to soften the image and balance the contrast between light and dark, since the key light is coming from a specific side, it is casting strong shadows over the face and so the fill light counters this by coming from the other side.

Finally the last Point of lighting is called the back light,it is put behind the subject and it is used to provide a sense of depth and helps separate the subject from the background.