There is not such thing as just "3 point lighting." No professional studio, no matter the era, never used "3-point lighting." The world doesn't even work in 3 points of light. The secrets to lighting is heavily guarded; so they gave us the "3 point lighting" to entertain the masses, but it doesn't work on film nor in real life.
+Codename Studios Everybody uses "3 Point Lighting", but that is only a technical term used to refer to the 3 basic areas of light on a subject. It doesn't strictly mean there's only 3 light sources, and doesn't dictate that light must be coming from 3 specific directions. But in most cinematic or standard video set ups, you'll see the principals of "3 Point Lighting" present. Typically a strong "Key" light from one side, a softer "Fill" light from the other side and a subtle "Back Light" somewhere behind that creates a sort of halo effect and helps separate the subject from the background. Other lighting elements are also present in a shot, such as background lighting and mood lighting, but as to it's relation to the subject on screen, the 3 point lighting technique is the basic standard, unless otherwise directed for specific purposes. A director may choose to only use one "Key Light" to create harsh contrast between light and dark, typical of black and white Noir and crime films. A director my choose to only use a soft "Fill" light to create a dark and moody atmosphere, or they may only use a back light, which would cast the character completely in shadow and give them an outline making them look mysterious and ominous. 3 Point Lighting can be seen in just about every film so varying degrees. It's meant to mimic the way light may be seen in real life, and even in classical art, in particular, the works of Rembrandt, you can see how this method of lighting can be used and is used in many ways.
+Dr Moon Rat The problem with that is the general public thinks that how lighting works, when it doesn't. Lowell website is the best example of how proper lighting is done, but you really have to be looking for the secrets of lighting on their (and other) sites. Even on a pro site (or in the field) you can use one big light to create proper lighting from all directions. That eliminate additional lighting, cables, etc. Now, 3 point lighting maybe a basic standard or even a starting point NOW. But, in the history of Hollywood/Photography, it has NEVER been a standard. So, yeah, it can be seen all over the place because the public demands it to be all over the place. But, it is NOT a starting point/standard to professional grips/DPs/Dir, etc. This is called "marketing"...and marketing works. Why you think they tell the public you can film with a iPhone or DSLR. No because you can't do it, but because of market flooding in this industry. Smartphones/DSLR gearis not professional gear, but the public BELIEVES its pro gear. So to with this "3-point lighting" marketing. Its just to satisfy the masses and misguide them to thinking this the way we do it. Marketing is a beautiful thing; depends what side you're on. I really wish I could go into deep detail about it (my reply, as I read it, is vague), but you know how elitism is. Spill the beans about the "secret arts" and you're pretty much out. Sorry, if I'm incomplete is my response. :)
really helpful!!! Studying Film is super difficult 😢
Great lecture.
Very helpful!
thanks man .
HHHAAHHAHHAHHAH
Come here expecting educational video and get a roasting at 0:21
There is not such thing as just "3 point lighting." No professional studio, no matter the era, never used "3-point lighting." The world doesn't even work in 3 points of light. The secrets to lighting is heavily guarded; so they gave us the "3 point lighting" to entertain the masses, but it doesn't work on film nor in real life.
+Codename Studios Everybody uses "3 Point Lighting", but that is only a technical term used to refer to the 3 basic areas of light on a subject. It doesn't strictly mean there's only 3 light sources, and doesn't dictate that light must be coming from 3 specific directions. But in most cinematic or standard video set ups, you'll see the principals of "3 Point Lighting" present. Typically a strong "Key" light from one side,
a softer "Fill" light from the other side
and a subtle "Back Light" somewhere behind that creates a sort of halo effect and helps separate the subject from the background.
Other lighting elements are also present in a shot, such as background lighting and mood lighting, but as to it's relation to the subject on screen, the 3 point lighting technique is the basic standard, unless otherwise directed for specific purposes. A director may choose to only use one "Key Light" to create harsh contrast between light and dark, typical of black and white Noir and crime films. A director my choose to only use a soft "Fill" light to create a dark and moody atmosphere, or they may only use a back light, which would cast the character completely in shadow and give them an outline making them look mysterious and ominous.
3 Point Lighting can be seen in just about every film so varying degrees. It's meant to mimic the way light may be seen in real life, and even in classical art, in particular, the works of Rembrandt, you can see how this method of lighting can be used and is used in many ways.
+Dr Moon Rat The problem with that is the general public thinks that how lighting works, when it doesn't. Lowell website is the best example of how proper lighting is done, but you really have to be looking for the secrets of lighting on their (and other) sites. Even on a pro site (or in the field) you can use one big light to create proper lighting from all directions. That eliminate additional lighting, cables, etc.
Now, 3 point lighting maybe a basic standard or even a starting point NOW. But, in the history of Hollywood/Photography, it has NEVER been a standard. So, yeah, it can be seen all over the place because the public demands it to be all over the place. But, it is NOT a starting point/standard to professional grips/DPs/Dir, etc. This is called "marketing"...and marketing works. Why you think they tell the public you can film with a iPhone or DSLR. No because you can't do it, but because of market flooding in this industry. Smartphones/DSLR gearis not professional gear, but the public BELIEVES its pro gear. So to with this "3-point lighting" marketing. Its just to satisfy the masses and misguide them to thinking this the way we do it. Marketing is a beautiful thing; depends what side you're on.
I really wish I could go into deep detail about it (my reply, as I read it, is vague), but you know how elitism is. Spill the beans about the "secret arts" and you're pretty much out. Sorry, if I'm incomplete is my response. :)