For assignment 5 we explored the use of a three-light setup to take portraits. As the brightest light, the Key light was used to cast a Rembrandt-esque shadow on our subject Clement’s face. The Fill light was placed near the camera to help counter the shadows cast by the Key light. This in effect helps the light fall evenly across Clement’s face once both lights are turned on. To tie the Key and Fill lights together, we used a background light to add another dimension to the photograph. The Background light helps to define Clement’s torso, and keeps him from blending into the background.
To achieve this setup, we first worked with each light individually before bringing them all together for the final picture. Starting with the Key light, we positioned it high and to the right of the camera. Once we were satisfied with the light cast by the Key light, we moved onto positioning the Fill light. Last but not least, we set the background light up. With all three lights individually set up, we finally turned them all on to capture the final three-light setup picture.