Directions - Three point lighting lesson with Ferg

3 Point Lighting:

- Key lighting: the light in the foreground that illuminates the face/ what is facing the camera
- Fill lighting: the lighting to the side of the subject often giving more depth/ creating less shadow
- Separation lighting: This is the lighting from behind that highlights the shape of the back of the head/ subject

Here i have pictures of a subject with different lighting on them separately e.g key and fill without separation on to show you what difference they make.

In the photo above the subject has no separation (background) lighting but has Key and Fill lighting

In this photo he has Separation lighting but no Fill lighting

And possibly the most noticeable is this one with no key lighting but Fill and separation, creating a dark eerie look

Types of Light:

There are types of light as they appear on camera and there are physical types of light e.g. the source they are coming from. The picture below demonstrates the later. Tungsten lighting is the most recognised and used in the industry, the back-bone of film and TV since the industry began. They give a warm yellow light which is good for both lighting small areas or specific spots (due to barn doors and bulb focus) however they can be extremely hot when used for periods of time and if knocked over can cause a small explosion due to the high flow of electricity (approx 600 watts) to and the heat of the bulb. Daylight/ HMI lights are usually a lot bigger in size and power, these can run up to 24,000 watts! These are most likely to be used on large sets or through windows of buildings to imitate sunlight. LED lights are a modern invention compared to the Tungstens and have many benefits concerning heat and weight, however some may have the opinion that you can not beat or imitate the look of a real Tungsten. LED's provide easier lighting for film makers who either travel from location to location and need something carry'able or those who can't afford to have lighting transported by companies to a set or location. Fluorescent lights are great if you as a film maker are trying to replicate the cold look of an interview scene or harsh "cutting table" kind of light. however they unlike some types of light can not be adapted to suit, they are what they are. 

A "Gaffer" is a term in the filming industry used for someone in charge of lighting. The director dictates the Gaffer what look he would like etc and the Gaffer then should know what to do to create that look, they must also be able to do it quickly and under pressure. The five points noted in the picture are things the Gaffer needs to keep in mind at all time and whenever he is making a decision.