Arts >> Movies & TV >> Film Production

How to Set Up Professional Lighting for a Video

Lighting is an integral component to any video. By simply lighting a video properly you can make something simple look a lot more professional than it really is. Luckily, you don't need a lot of expensive equipment in order to achieve this professional look. In videography and filmmaking terms, a professional lighting setup is referred to as a "three-point lighting system," due to the fact that you're using three different light sources placed in key positions.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 lights
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Use a key light. The key light will be the main light source in your three-point lighting setup. This will shine directly on whatever it is you are filming. If you're shooting actors for your video, you would place the key light directly in front of the actors, but out of the video camera's frame.

    • 2

      Use a fill light. This is the second light source in your three-point lighting setup. The objective of this light source is to get rid of any shadows being caused by the key light. If you're shooting actors for your video, you would place the fill light in front of the actors, but to their extreme left or right. This will take care of any shadows being cast on their bodies.

    • 3

      Use a back light. The back light is the final light source in a three-point lighting setup. This light will go behind whatever you are filming, out of the view of the video camera's frame. This light will take care of any shadows on background objects being caused by either the key or the fill light. This will also give off a "separation effect," making whatever you are filming stand out from the background.

Film Production

Related Categories