Light Source: Three-point Lighting for Multiple Talent

Dr. Robert G. Nulph
April 2000

In past columns we have explored the many ways to use lighting to enhance video productions. We have discussed three-point lighting and the various elements that make up good lighting. Most of these columns focused on lighting for one talent. However, what do you do if you are lighting a scene with more than one person? Can you still use three-point lighting? How do you set it up and what questions do you have to ask yourself when preparing a lighting scheme?
In this column, we will look at the various components of three-point lighting for multiple talent. We will also discuss different lighting placement and describe how to set the lights for various scenarios.

As with any lighting assignment, you must begin your plan by discussing with the director the needs of the video shoot. If you are a one-man-band wearing the director's hat as well as that of every other crewmember, you still need to ask some very important questions. First, where will the camera be in relation to the talent? Are you shooting outdoors or indoors? If outdoors, how will the sun effect the shot? If indoors, is there a window or door that has sunlight filtering through it? Will the talent be moving? Is it day or night? What mood are you trying to achieve?
Every time you pick up a lighting instrument, you need to be asking yourself these questions. When you have the answers to all of these questions, you are ready to begin designing the lighting scheme. Keep in mind, that although you will be lighting more than one talent, you still use the basic components of three-point lighting, the key light, fill light and back light.

Three-point lighting, as its name implies, uses three lights: the key light, fill light and back light. The key light is your main light source. It is usually the most intense and direct light shining on your talent. You use the fill light to fill in the shadows created by the key light. This light source helps establish the mood and add dimension. The primary function of the back light is to separate the talent from the background. By lighting the back of the talent's head and shoulders, the resulting rim of light helps establish that the talent is some distance from the background.

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