Hair Light
Light from high behind a person onto the top of the head and shoulders, separating them from a dark background. Together with key and fill, it is the third light in three-point lighting. Back light is the name of the position, light from behind; hair light is the one aimed at the head. It is adjusted so no light reaches the front of the face.
How it feels
- Separation
- Depth
- Classical
- Neat
- Glow
When to use it
- Interviews using three-point lighting
- A person in front of a dark background
- Old Hollywood-style portraits
- When the head and background are both dark and the shape gets lost
In the movies
Not to be confused with
- Backlight / Rim Light
- A rim light shines from low behind and to the side, drawing a thin outline all around the head and shoulders. A hair light aims at the top of the head from higher up.
- Kicker
- A kicker shines from behind and to the side, lighting only one edge of the face. A hair light shines from directly behind and above onto the head and shoulders.
- Background Light
- A hair light lights the back of the person; a background light lights the wall or surface behind them.
Prompt
hair light
A key light from 45 degrees camera left, and a hair light from behind and above outlining the top of the head and shoulders, separating the subject from the dark background.
Try these combinations
Medium close-up + three-point lighting: an interview
Medium close-up interview, three-point lighting, soft key, gentle fill, hair light from behind and above, dark background
Close-up + hair light: an Old Hollywood portrait
Close-up portrait, old Hollywood glamour, hair light creating a subtle glow around hair and shoulders, black background