Director / Three-point lighting at home with lamps
Guide
Three-point lighting at home with lamps
By Con, founder of Music Wide Selfie · Updated 22 October 2026
Short answerPut your brightest light (key) in front of you, slightly to one side; a softer light (fill) on the other side to lift shadows; and a light behind you (back light) to separate you from the background.
Key light
A window or your brightest lamp, about 45° to one side and a little above eye level.
Fill light
A weaker lamp, or a white wall or sheet reflecting the key, on the opposite side.
Back light
A small lamp behind you, out of shot, aimed at your hair and shoulders.
Match colours
Mixing daylight with warm bulbs can look odd. Use the same type of light where you can.
Soften it
Bounce lamps off a wall, or put them behind thin white fabric well away from the bulb.
Questions
Do I need all three?
No. A good key light alone is a big improvement.
About Music Wide Selfie
An iPhone camera app for people who film themselves, coming soon to the App Store. One email when it launches.
One email when the app is ready. Nothing else.
More guides
