Lighting Effects
If you have ever been to a photographers studio, you will find that they love lights.
Photographers use a variety of lights to give their model different types of looks, there is a general rule of thumb consisting of three different light sources, the key light, the fill light, and the back light.
This method is generally used to make things look realistic, hollywood films alike use three point lighting to make actors appear as real and not artificial, if you only had one light, it would probably not resemble real life, as you will see silhouettes and shadows which may not be what your looking for (will look real life but you know what i mean).
What these lights do
Ever wondered how interviews are carried out?
Interviews you see on television use the three point lighting method, there are many good reasons as to why we use these lights.
anyway
Key Light- This is the main light the photographer will use, it sets the mood of the shot and provides depth, texture, and direction of light. Depending on where the light is located, this will have an effect on the lighting on the model.
You will have never seen an interview where the person answering the questions is directly sitting in front of a wall, this is because compared to an open space, you will create a horrible shadow on the wall, leaving an open space behind your object gives depth and a three dimensional effect.
If you were to position your key light 90 degrees from your object, you will see a large shadow on a side of their face, moving the key light towards their eye line eases the shadow, in general terms the photographer will decide on the feel as to whereabouts to position the key light on your face.
Fill Light- The fill light is used alongside the key light and has one simple role, to apply contrast to the models face. The key light is usually powerful, this is why we rely on the fill light to adjust contrast levels on the models face.
Back Light- The back light separates the object from the background, defines their outline and makes the picture look more three dimensional. Usually the back light is directly opposite the key light.
The photographer will position the back light depending on how they feel, as each and every position will have an effect on the lighting of the models face.
Moving the back light higher gives the model a classical interview look, lowing the light gives the model an elevated lighting status, moving the backlight towards the camera lights the models face and reduces shadows.
Depending on hair colour, you may require a stronger or reduced back light, people with dark or brown hair can expect a brighter backlight, whereas people with blonde or no hair require a darker backlight.