The Three Point Lighting Technique is a standard method used in visual media such as video, film, still photography and computer-generated imagery. It is a simple but versatile system which forms the basis of most lighting. Once you understand three point lighting you are well on the way to understanding all lighting.
The technique uses three lights called the key light, fill light and back light. Naturally you will need three lights to utilize the technique fully.
The Key Light is the main light. It is usually the strongest and has the most influence on the look of the scene. It is placed to one side of the camera/subject so that this side is well lit and the other side has some shadow.
Our Spiritual Key Light is our relationship with God. Our relationship with God has to be the main light in our lives. It must have the most influence on every scene in our life.
Acts 9:3 KJV
3 And as he [Saul] journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
We must spend time in prayer and reading The Word, and we must teach our families and children to do the same.
John 16:7 NKJV
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
All of the change that happens in your heart will happen not because someone told you, or you read it in the bible, it will happen because you and Jesus are in a relationship, and the more time you spend with Him the more you begin to notice things He doesn’t like, and because you love Him you stop doing those things.
The Fill Light is the secondary light and is placed on the opposite side of the key light. It is used to fill the shadows created by the key. The fill will usually be softer and less bright than the key. You might want to set the fill light to more of a flood than the key.
Psalm 119:104-105
104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Our Spiritual Fill Light is the Word of God. We can read the Word all day long, but without a heart is in tune with God we will not fully comprehend what He is saying to us.
Saul knew the scriptures backward and forward, but it wasn’t until he developed a relationship with that he could comprehend what he had been reading.
The fill light is a complementary light that when coupled with a relationship with God will expose the dark places in our lives and outline a path to remove the darkness and draw closer with God.
Without this light the darkness will remain, and we would not be able to see the road to repentance.
The Back Light is placed behind the subject and lights it from the rear. Rather than providing direct lighting (like the key and fill), its purpose is to provide definition and subtle highlights around the subject’s outlines. This helps separate the subject from the background and provide a three-dimensional look.
Acts 9:10-20 KJV
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Our Spiritual Back Light is the Body of Christ. When we are connected to the Body of Christ we have access to the testimony and ministry of many powerful saints of God who will be there to catch us and encourage us when we fall. When we have a relationship with God it enhances our relationship with His body.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 KJV
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
When God speaks to us He will often speak through a brother or sister in The Lord just like He did with Ananias and Saul. He will often use the testimony or past of a saint for His glory to minister to someone.
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
All Three Lights work hand in hand to illuminate our lives, so that we will stand out in the world.
When our lives are illuminated that means that our shortcomings will be illuminated as well, because it is only when people see our weakness that they can see God working through our weakness.