Video Lighting: 3 Point Lighting: A Handyman's Guide (page 2)

The fill light is your last light in a three-point lighting setup. This light should be less intense than the key light. Its primary purpose is to soften shadows cast by the key. The more dramatic the scene, the less intense the fill light should be. Place the light at the 4:00 or 8:00 position opposite the key. For example, if the key is at 4:30, then the fill will be at 8:00 . You should raise this light to a 45-degree angle above the subject's head.
For the fill light, you can use most anything. However, the choice of lighting instrument is totally dependent on the type of lighting look you are trying to create. The job of the fill light is to give the audience a sense of the ambiance in the room. If you are doing an interview with a dramatic subject, the less fill light you use, the harder and more contrasty the overall lighting will be. The fill light can give the audience a clue as to whether the scene occurs during the day or night, or whether it is a happy (more fill light) or sad (less fill light) scene.
As I said earlier, the fill light might be a bounce card. If so, place the card as close to the subject as possible without getting in the camera shot. Bounce the spill light from the key and back lights into the subject's face. By bending a piece of white poster board into a slight curve, you can focus the reflected light onto your subject and provide a soft fill to the side of his or her face opposite the key. This will also add a nice sparkle of light in the subject's eye.

As you complete the setup, make sure to look through the camera lens, or better yet a monitor, to be sure your subject is lit so they look the best they can. Adjust the lights to make sure the shadows are flattering and the eyes have a sparkle of light. If you're using a large soft light as your key, you may want to move it to the 5:30 position and fill your subject's face with a soft overall light. This can be very flattering and it is effective in situations where you desire a bright set with flattering light.
Remember, once you have successfully learned the basics of three point lighting, you can let your imagination run wild. Lighting should be an art not a formula. All it takes is a little practice, some experimentation and a touch of creativity to complete those special lighting challenges.

• Digg This!
• del.icio.us
• Technorati
• StumbleUpon
• Reddit