In a three-point lighting configuration, is the fill light supposed to eliminate shadows cast by the key light, or is it just supposed to soften them?
The fill light should be used to soften the shadows.
In order to completely eliminate the shadows, the fill light would have to equal the main light. It's there primarily to open up the shadows, keep them from losing detail. Try using different ratios of fill to create different levels of contrast between the dark and light sides of the subjects face. Women tend to prefer a beauty light look - almost even lighting - whereas men may like the tough guy 1940's Hollywood look of deep shadow that hides much of their face. Hope this helps
