3 key lighting systems

There are 3 types of light that make up the 3 key lighting system.

Key light

Is the main light, normally the brightest and has the most influence on the look of the scene. it is placed on one side of the camera so that one side is in lots of light, and the other is in some shadow.

Fill light

This is the secondary light. it is placed on the opposite side of the key light, and is used to fill the shadows thrown by the key light. it will be less bright and softer than the key, and will be placed further back.

Back light

The back light is put behind the subject and lights it from the rear. it is not used to provide direct light, but more to provide deffinition and subtle highlights around the subjects outlines. This helps the viewer distinguish the subject from the background, and give more of a 3D look.