Theory Notes: Soft, hard, and three point lighting

The effects of lighting can make a picture look very different. The picture can look more intense with a stronger shadow, or the object in the picture may have a more natural shadow using softer lights. Some different lighting effects are Soft Light, Hard Light, and Three-point Lighting.

Soft Light

Using soft light, it creates shadows with soft edges and the light isn't so intense.

The light depends on these factors:

- Distance: The closer the light source, the softer the light becomes.

- Size: The larger the light source, the softer the light becomes.

- Angle: The angles between the object and the light source. The larger the angle, the softer the light is.

Soft Light can also reduce shadows and an effect of soft light might be that wrinkles may be less visible using softer light.

Soft Light does not show any shadows which gives away that extra light aources are being used. Soft Light seems like more natural light.

In the picture above soft light has been used and the picture looks more natural and it doesn't have edgy shadows.

Hard Light

Hard Light creates shadows that are more intense and have rougher edges and creates a big contrast between the highlights and shadows.

Using hard light a picture can become more edgy and intense as oppose to using softer light the picture isn't as edgy and it is more calm.

The picture to the left is an example of hard lighting. The shadows are more rough and it give the picture a more edgy look.

Three-Point Lighting

The Three-Point Lighting is a method which is used in many visuals like film, video and photography. It is the system which forms the basis of most lighting.
The technique uses three lights called the key light, fill light, and back light.

Key Light is the main light and it is the strongest light. It is placed to the side of the object so there is a lot of light and shadow.

Fill Light is places on the opposide side of the key light. It is less bright and not as strong as the key light.

Back Light is placed behind the object and a bit diagonally. The purpose of the back light is to subtle highlights around the object's outlines. This helps separating the object from the background and giving the picture a more three dimensional look.

Here you can see an example of a set up of three-point lighting. You have all of the three main lights.