3 point lighting

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3 point lighting is the base for most lighting in film, and consist of 3 points of light that are the Key, Fill and backlight.

The key light is the main source of light for the technique, and highlights definitions on a subject’s face, and can be used to create effects like chiascuro.
Here is a shot of Backlight Only. The backlight adds the effect of a rim light around the subject, and can convey power, and mirage to a character- we can’t see the expression as clearly, and therefore the mysteriousness of their true thoughts is created by not being able to read emotion.
When used together the key and fill light keep both the definition of features from the key lighting, as well as the clarity and detail of the fill light. This therefore creates an effect of clarity to a subject.
When used altogether these lighting effects come together to form a more clear and 2 dimensional lighting that’s easier on an audiences eyes, and that is the basis of most lighting in cinematography.

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