Below is a short, introductory tutorial for the documentarian / filmmaker / photographer on three point lighting. Lighting a subject, is often an after thought by many inexperienced media makers but it is an essential element of any production that strives for professional look. It can also be effectively used to elicit a certain style or mood.
I’ve found the setup of studio lighting the most challenging element of media production. And there is a multitude of lighting hardware to choose from, even before you begin. That said with a bit of research, patience and practice, success will be yours.
Try practicing your setup, at home or if you have control of your filming environment, setup and adjust there, beforehand.
Another great source of ideas for lighting along with other media production topics is The Filmmaker’s Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age by Steven Ascher, Edward Pincus