Three point lighting

Three point lighting is made up up three different light sources. Key light, fill light and back light.

Key light:

The key light is the main light source and creates the clearest light and shadows. This could be a ceiling light or the sun. Usually somewhere in front of the subject to expose the features.

soft light:

The soft light is an ambient light that creates less defined shadows and exposes a different part of the subject or provides a different lighting color to compliment or contrast the key light

Back light:

The back light exposes the outline of a subject by being set up behind it. It can draw attention to a photo if it adds contrast in value or colour. For example, a warm toned room with a cool toned back light looks more interesting. Same with a dark room and bright back light.

Using all three of these can create a cinematic appearance and it is common to place characters in these lighting situations. In the image below, he has back lit features that define the cheekbones and jaw, there is a key light in front of him to expose one side of the face and ambient light to make the rest of his face visible so the environment still looks realistic.