Master photography lighting by understanding the difference between hard and soft light, utilizing the 3-point setup (key, fill, rim), and managing direction for mood. Use natural light (windows, clouds) or artificial strobes/LEDs with diffusers (softboxes, umbrellas) to create, control, or soften shadows for professional-looking portraits and scenes.

Hard Light: Creates sharp, distinct shadows and high contrast, usually from a small, direct source like the sun or an undiffused flash.
Soft Light: Creates gentle transitions between light and shadow, often achieved using softboxes, umbrellas, or shooting on cloudy days.
Lighting Direction: Front light creates a flat look, side lighting adds depth/texture, and backlighting (rim light) separates the subject from the background.

Essential 3-Point Setup

Key Light: The main, brightest light source placed at a 45-degree angle to the subject to establish the primary exposure.
Fill Light: A softer, dimmer light placed on the opposite side of the key light to reduce, but not eliminate, shadows.
Backlight/Rim Light: Placed behind the subject to create a highlight on the hair or shoulders, providing separation from the background.

Portrait Lighting Patterns

Rembrandt: Creates a small triangle of light on the shadowed cheek.
Butterfly: Light placed directly above and in front of the face, creating a small shadow under the nose.
Split: One side of the face is lit, the other is in shadow.
Short vs. Broad: Short lighting lights the side of the face turned away from the camera (slimming), while broad lighting lights the side turned toward the camera.

Practical Tips

Use Reflectors: Use white foam board or fabric to bounce light back into shadows, acting as a free fill light.
Manage Colour Temp: Match your light sources to avoid mixed colour temperatures (e.g., mixing orange tungsten light with blue daylight).