Lighting Setups
1. ADD A SINGLE KEY LIGHT: this represents the single main light source in scene.
Defining key light angle:
Position key light above and to side of the subject.15 - 45° to side & above camera.
Putting key light too close to camera’s angle can flatten subject. Putting key light too far to left or right of camera angle inflicts harsh distracting light and does not fully illuminate the subject.
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15 to 45 degrees to side of camera;
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15 to 45 degrees above camera
2. ADD FILL LIGHT(S): Add dim fill light at opposite angle of key light. This will simulate reflected light.
Defining fill light angle:
Usually 15 - 60° to left or right of camera angle; slightly above camera angle.
Fill is lower in intensity than key light. Move closer to camera angle so areas lit by key and fill overlap (use False Colors to check overlap)
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15 - 60° to left or right of camera slightly above camera- opposite direction of key light
3. ADD A BOUNCE LIGHT: You could also place a fill light in the same direction as a wall the subject is in front off. This light would represent the key light bouncing off the wall onto the subject.
4. CONSIDER THE KEY:FILL RATIO: do you have dramatic lighting or simple lighting in your scene. Look at the intensity values of all your lights when deciding.
Low key to fill ratio: (2:1)
Overall very bright. The fill light is half the intensity of the key. Shadows disappear or are not in the scene at all. There is little variation in tone. Good for children’s stories.
Washed out
All lights in scene have similar multiplier value and/or high multiplier value.
Moderate key to fill ratio: (4:1)
Normal shadows with basic modeling of subjects in scene. Everything is moderately illuminated.
Normal shadows
Key has higher multiplier value than fills lights.
High key to fill ratio: (8:1)
Very dramatic and shadowy scenes. Dark shadows and areas of scene in pitchblackness or close to it.
Dark and shadowy
Key has high multiplier value and fill lights have extremely low value or no value.
5. ADD A BACKLIGHT (HAIR LIGHT): Only add a backlight if the subject and background cannot be separated. Otherwise use attenuated lights.
Multiple backlights might be necessary to create the rim around your object since the edge of your subject will not have a true transparent edge. Attenuation must be used less the backlights will blow out your image.
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Backlights directly behind object do not illuminate subject in scene!