The 3-Point Lighting Technique has been used for lighting theatre and then film/TV for nearly as long as lighting has been around. Placing the lights so that they hit the subject from 3 different angles gives added dimension to what you want your audience to see.

The KEY Light is the primary light. It is usually aimed slightly to the side and in front of the subject. This area of the person/subject will be well lit, while the other side will have some shadows.

The FILL Light is secondary and is aimed from the front and to the unlit side. It fills the shadows. It is usually less bright and more of a wash fixture than the KEY light.

In actuality, you could stop right here and have an acceptably lit "scene" with just 2 lighting positions. However, by adding a BACK light, you give your subject dimension and separate it from the background.

Here again, 3-point lighting is perfectly acceptable. However, with the introduction of High Definition TV - which shows everything - those of you who broadcast may want to try using another BACK light. By using this 4-point system, the entire subject is lit from all directions. If your minister moves around as he speaks or when your choir is doing a special, the 4-point lighting keeps them from turning or walking into a shadow and keeps them evenly lit.

You can also use your fourth light (or lights) to light the set/background. This gives more depth and keeps your subject from flattening out or looking like a "floating head". This will also give the camera a pleasing background for contrast.