What are the three points of the three-point lighting method?

The three-point lighting method is the main light, the auxiliary light, and the contour light.

Three-point lighting, also known as area lighting, is generally used for scene lighting in a smaller range. If the scene is large, it can be divided into several smaller areas for lighting. Generally, three lights are enough, namely main light, auxiliary light and contour light.

Three-point light function:

Main light: It is usually used to illuminate the main object in the scene and its surrounding area, and serves as the function of projecting the main object. The main light-dark relationship is determined by the subject light, including the direction of the shadow.

The main light task can also be completed simultaneously with several lights as needed. For example, when the main light is between 15 degrees and 30 degrees, it is called forward light; when it is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees, it is called side light; when it is between 90 degrees and 120 degrees, it is called side backlight. The main light is often accomplished with spotlights. The author likes to set the brightness of the main light to about 240.

Auxiliary light: also called fill light. Use a spotlight to illuminate the fan-shaped reflective surface to form a uniform, indirect and soft light source. Use it to fill in shadow areas and scene areas missed by the main light, and to mediate the contrast between light and dark areas.

It can create depth of field and layers at the same time, and this broad and even lighting feature allows it to provide a base color for the scene and define the tone of the scene. In order to achieve a soft lighting effect, the brightness of the auxiliary light is usually only 50%-80% of the main light.