• 3 light sources used to illuminate subject
• Involves a key light, fill light and back light.
• 3PL forms a foundation for many more complex lighting techniques

Key light:

• Main and brightest source of light.
• Generally placed at a 45 degree angle from the camera.

Fill light:

• Fills in the shadows created by the key light.
• Placed on opposite side of camera than the key light.
• Fill light should be dimmer than the key light, to allow for contrast om either side of subject.

Back light:

• Creates a rim of light around the back of a subject, helping to distinguish the subject from the background.
• Positioned behind the subject, higher or lower to avoid the camera.