Three Point Light Configuration

 

Multiple light configurations exist that can be set up for effective rendering, but a common one is the Three Point Light Configuration. This is just a suggestion and not something that must be done on every rendering. If anything, it sparks the imagination to come up with your own configurations.

 

The Three Point Light Configuration is made up of three separately placed lights:

 

1.Key Light: Main source of illumination, defines the most visible lighting and shadows. Represents the dominant light source and is usually placed slightly to the side (not directly in front of) the main object.

 

2.Fill Light: Softens and extends the illumination provided by the Key light, and makes more of the subject visible. It is generally positioned opposite the Key light and at a lower height and is usually about half as bright as the key light.

 

3.Rim Light: Sometimes referred to as a Back light, the Rim light creates a bright line around the edge of the object, to help visually separate it from the background.