Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the tone and mood of an interview. Whether you’re going for a clean, professional look or something more dramatic and creative, how you light your subject can greatly impact the overall feel of the shot.

Below, we explore ten different lighting setups for static interviews. These range from the most common to more experimental approaches. Each description includes considerations for high-key and low-light situations and the use of natural light.

Cover photo by Austin Diesel

Basic to Creative Lighting Techniques

 

Three-Point Lighting (Classic Setup)

This is the most common lighting setup used in interviews. It involves three lights: a key light, a fill light, and a backlight.

 

• Key Light: Positioned at a 45-degree angle from the subject’s face, this is the primary source of illumination.

• Fill Light: Placed on the opposite side of the key light, the fill softens shadows on the subject’s face.

• Backlight: Positioned behind the subject to create separation from the background.

 

Ideal for: High-key situations where you want even lighting and minimal shadows.

Two-Point Lighting (Simplified Setup)

In this setup, the backlight is removed, and only the key and fill lights are used. This setup can create a softer, more natural look, with less emphasis on separation from the background.

 

• Key Light: Still at a 45-degree angle, but brighter than the fill.

• Fill Light: On the opposite side but dimmed down to avoid harsh shadows.

 

Ideal for: Interviews that need to look natural but well-lit, avoiding dramatic contrast.

 

 

Single Light (Key Light Only)

A minimalist approach uses just one key light to illuminate the subject. This can create a natural look, but shadows will be more prominent on the opposite side of the face.

 

• Key Light: Placed at a 45-degree angle from the subject, bright enough to illuminate the face clearly but will leave one side in shadow.

 

Ideal for: Low-budget productions or when a more natural, casual look is desired.

 

Rembrandt Lighting (Cinematic and Dramatic)

Named after the famous painter, this setup creates a small triangle of light under one eye, which gives the interview a more cinematic and moody look.

 

• Key Light: Placed at a 45-degree angle but higher than the subject’s eye line.

• Fill Light: Optional and set very dim to avoid flattening the shadows.

 

Ideal for: Low-key, dramatic interviews where you want to emphasize texture and contrast.

 

 

Natural Window Light

Using natural light from a window can create a soft, beautiful glow on the subject. The setup is simple, relying on the positioning of the subject relative to the window.

 

• Key Light: The window serves as the key light.

• Fill Light: Optionally, a reflector can be used on the opposite side of the subject to bounce light back and reduce shadows.

 

Ideal for: Daytime interviews with a softer, more organic look.

 

Backlit (Silhouette)

In this setup, the light source is placed behind the subject, casting them into a silhouette. This creates a striking and dramatic effect, but minimal details on the subject’s face will be visible.

 

• Backlight: Positioned directly behind the subject, creating a halo or silhouette effect.

• No Key or Fill: The subject’s face will be largely in shadow.

 

Ideal for: Interviews where the mood or anonymity is key, often used in documentaries for anonymous interviews.

 

 

Ring Light (Even, Shadow-Free Lighting)

A ring light placed directly around the camera lens creates even, shadow-free lighting, making it popular for beauty or casual interviews. It provides a flat, soft light source. It will give you rings in the eyes due to the reflection, which could be make or break. 

 

• Key Light: The ring light encircles the camera, providing direct frontal illumination.

• No Fill or Backlight: The even light distribution eliminates the need for additional lights.

 

Ideal for: High-key, soft lighting setups, often used for vlogs or social media interviews.

 

 

Low-Key Lighting (For a Dark, Moody Feel)

Low-key lighting uses minimal light, focusing on shadows and contrast to create a more dramatic and intimate atmosphere.

 

• Key Light: A single, dimmed key light, often placed far from the subject to create sharp, deep shadows.

• No Fill Light: This accentuates the darkness, emphasizing contrast.

 

Ideal for: Darker, more serious interviews where mood and tone are critical.

 

 

Overhead Lighting (Unconventional and Dramatic)

Placing a light source directly above the subject can create dramatic shadows on the face and under the eyes, often used for a more stylized or intense look.

 

• Key Light: Positioned directly above the subject, casting strong shadows downward.

• No Fill Light: The shadows are an intentional part of this creative style.

 

Ideal for: Artistic or experimental interviews, often used in thriller or mystery-themed projects.

 

 

Cross Lighting (Key and Backlight Only)

This setup uses a key light and a backlight but no fill light, resulting in a stark contrast between light and shadow.

 

• Key Light: Placed at a 45-degree angle before the subject.

• Backlight: Positioned directly behind the subject to create separation from the background.

 

Ideal for: Interviews where you want to maintain a dramatic feel while keeping the subject visually distinct from the background.

 

 

Final Words

A well-lit interview not only enhances the subject but also deepens the storytelling by subtly conveying the atmosphere and emotion you want to evoke.

From three-point setups to experimental lighting techniques, there are countless ways to light a static interview. These will depend on the mood, tone, and aesthetic you’re aiming for. Understanding how to control light — whether using natural sources or carefully placed artificial lights — allows you to shape the look and feel of the interview in profound ways.