A guide to photography Lighting: understanding key light and fill light

Lighting is a central design element in photography and plays a key role in determining the technical quality of an image and how it affects the viewer. If you understand how key light, fill light and highlight light work together, you can create specific moods and set the perfect scene for your subject. This article explains everything photographers need to know about lighting technology.

Understanding key light - the basics of lighting

In modern photography, there are many different approaches to the right lighting. A classic method for studio lighting set-up, which has its origins in the old Hollywood film sets, is three-point lighting. It consists of three light sources arranged at specific positions around the subject. These light sources are

• The main light (also known as the key light),
• the fill light (also known as fill light) and
• the highlight (also known as backlight)

Photographers particularly like to use three-point lighting for portrait shots, as it ensures perfect illumination without distracting shadows when used correctly. Structured organization is particularly helpful for shoots with a lot of equipment - a well-divided camera bag with space for light shapers, batteries and accessories creates an overview and flexibility.

Creating the mood with the key light

The key light is the strongest light source in the setup and gives the image its basic character in terms of shape and contours. The main light is usually positioned at an angle of around 45 degrees to the camera and slightly raised (usually also by 45 degrees) to create the most natural illumination possible. The key light shines directly onto the subject.

Depending on whether photographers choose hard or soft light, they can create different effects. Hard light creates strong contrasts and drama, while soft light creates gentle transitions and makes the subject appear more flattering. Among other things, the exact position, alignment and intensity of the main light determine the mood of the finished photo. LED panels or continuous light, for example, are suitable light sources for the key light. Theoretically, the camera's flash can also be used as the main light. For outdoor shots, the sun usually serves as the key light. When out and about, it is all the more important to have the right light setup to hand - robust rucksacks that can also safely hold tripods or small light sources are worth their weight in gold here.

Setting the fill light correctly

The fill light is used to soften the shadows created by the key light without removing them completely. It also shines on the subject, but from a more lateral angle and a slightly lower position than the main light does. The fill light is often positioned approximately at the level of the subject's face. By brightening shaded areas, it balances out the main light and softens the shadows created. In many cases, the fill light is only half as bright and much softer than the main light.

Simple aids such as reflectors or white walls can be used as brighteners. When choosing a light source for fill light, many photographers opt for a softbox, which produces both soft and diffuse light. Dimmable LED panels and lights with diffusers are also popular. A well-designed camera strap that leaves your hands free while you readjust light sources or work with reflectors can make a big difference in such situations.

Use the highlight to make the subject stand out from the background

The highlight is positioned behind or to the side of the subject and aims to emphasize contours. The key light and backlight are therefore almost opposite each other. The backlight creates a fine outline on hair, shoulders or other parts of the body and thus helps to visibly separate the subject from the background. Especially in dark scenes or with dark clothing, it creates more depth and structure in the image. Without a highlight, the subject can quickly "melt" into the background.

It is important that the highlight is used selectively and not too strongly so that there is no overexposure. Highlight light is particularly important in black and white photography, as it is all the more important here that the subject stands out visually from the background. Highlight light is often not required for bright lighting or image compositions with strong color contrasts. Hard light sources with a concentrated beam of light are ideal for highlighting. Photographers like to use spots or spotlights.

Implementation of three-point lighting

When setting up lighting in photography, there are common styles that require a very specific use of main light, fill light and highlight. The techniques have become established for achieving a very specific mood and are therefore part of the basic knowledge of most professional photographers.

High-key photography

High-key photography is dominated by bright tones. The lighting is even and soft, while shadows are almost completely avoided. However, photographers often use the fill light very strongly, sometimes even more strongly than the main light. This technique is particularly suitable for cheerful, airy image motifs. It is popular for baby photos or beauty shoots, for example.

Low-key photography

Low-key photography is the exact opposite of high-key photography. Dark image areas dominate here, which are deliberately interrupted by individual light accents. The main light is used sparingly and usually selectively and the fill light is often completely absent. The strong contrast creates a mysterious, dramatic or serious mood. Low-key is particularly suitable for expressive portraits.

Portrait lighting tips and strategies

When photographing portraits, it is a good idea to experiment with different lighting positions. Small variations in distance and brightness can make a big difference. It is always worth checking the shadows and boundaries of the subject carefully before taking the photo. In general, it makes sense to avoid too harsh shadows and overexposure when lighting portraits. The aim should be to find the right balance between light and shadow. Photographers should also take care to match the color tones used. An unadjusted white balance can quickly lead to unwanted color casts. Easy access to accessories such as diffusers, color filters or additional light sources can make the process much easier here -a bag with a modular interior layout is ideal if the setup is to be flexibly adapted.

Tip for small budgets: OneLight setup

Hobby photographers in particular often only have a small budget. Complete lighting equipment in the sense of three-point lighting is rarely possible. If you need or want to save money, you can also opt for a simple lighting setup with just one light source. With just one light source, photographers have to pay very close attention to where they position the light source. For example, the placement can also follow the 45-degree rule or be more experimental. If the lighting is unfavorable, the photographer at least knows immediately which light source is responsible and can adjust the setup accordingly. In addition, it is still possible to play around a little even when using just one light source. For example, aids such as reflectors or white surfaces can be used to soften shadows.

Whether you're using extensive equipment or a minimalist one-light style - for anyone who wants to work efficiently and stylishly, it's worth taking a look at high-quality accessories that adapt to the way you work.