1. ▲ Using the Triangle Lighting Principle
How to Light a Subject
▲ Using the Triangle Lighting Principle

2. Click the name of the light source to learn more about it.
The Triangle Lighting Principle consists of three primary light sources.
Back light
Fill light
Key light

3. The key light is a directional light source, usually a spot light.
The key light is the principal source of directional illumination falling upon a subject or an area.
This light is placed above and to the right or left front side of the object or subject, from the camera’s point of view.
It reveals the basic shape of an object or subject and creates heavy shadows.
Key light

4. This is how a subject appears when only lit with the key light.
▲Click here to return to the Triangle Lighting Scenario.

5. The fill light is placed on the opposite side of the camera as the key light above the subject.
The fill light is used to reduce and soften the shadows created by the key light.
It is generally a diffused light source- often a flood light or some sort of reflector.
Fill light
Key light

6. This is how a subject appears when only lit with the fill light.
▲Click here to return to the Triangle Lighting Scenario.

7. The back light helps to distinguish the shadow of the subject or object from the background and emphasizes the subject/object outline.
It is usually a spot light and it should be positioned directly behind the subject (out of view of the camera).
It also adds sparkle and professional polish.
Back light

8. This is how a subject appears when only lit with the back light.
▲Click here to return to the Triangle Lighting Scenario.

9. Click the name of the light source to learn more about it.
Back light
Fill light
Key light
▲When you are finished, click here to see a subject lit using the Triangle Lighting Principle.

10. This is how a subject appears when using the key, fill, and back lights.
Fill light
Key light