Discover published sets by community

Inspired by the painter Rembrandt, this technique involves creating a triangular light shape under the eye of the subject on the less illuminated side of the face, giving the subject a dramatic and sculpted appearance.

This light source is used to reduce the contrast and shadows produced by the key light, providing more details in the darker areas of the subject. It is placed opposite to the key light and is less intense to avoid creating additional shadows.

A lighting style where the subject is backlit and appears as a dark shape against a brighter background. This approach can create a mysterious or dramatic effect.

Utilized to emphasize particular areas or objects in a scene, accent lights are often more directed and smaller in scale than key lights. They are intended to draw the viewer's eye to specific details.

Measured in Kelvins, it refers to the hue of a particular type of light source. The color temperature can range from warm (yellow/orange tones) to cool (blue tones) and affects the overall color balance in media production.

The opposite of high-key lighting, low-key lighting features strong contrast, lots of shadows, and a darker overall tone. It is often used to create suspense, mystery, or to convey a dramatic or moody atmosphere.

The primary light source in a lighting arrangement, used to highlight the form and dimension of the subject. It is usually placed at a 45-degree angle to the camera-subject axis and is the brightest of the three lights used in three-point lighting.

Where the key light illuminates the side of the face turned away from the camera. This technique creates more shadow on the face, which can be used to slim down the subject's face or add a sense of mystery.

Similar to back lighting, rim lighting is used to outline the subject's form with light, creating a separation from the background. It is particularly effective in highlighting texture or edges.

It is a standard method used to illuminate a subject in a scene with three distinct light sources: Key Light, Fill Light, and Back Light. Each serves a specific purpose to achieve a balanced and professional look. Key Light provides the main illumination, Fill Light minimizes shadows caused by Key Light, and Back Light separates the subject from the background.

Lighting style characterized by low contrast, with a light background and very little shadow on the subject. It is often used to create an upbeat mood and is typically associated with comedies and light-hearted scenes.

Named for the butterfly-shaped shadow that this placement creates under the subject's nose, this frontal lighting technique is often used for glamour shots and to emphasize cheekbones and jawline.

A type of lighting that results in shadows with soft edges and a gradual transition from light to dark. Softboxes, diffusers, or bounce boards can be used to soften the light source.

A dramatic lighting technique where half of the subject's face is lit and the other half is in shadow, often used to convey a sense of internal conflict or duality within a character.

The natural light that is already present in a scene before any additional lighting is introduced. Ambient lighting can set the overall mood and is often modified or supplemented by artificial sources for creative effects.

A technique where the key light illuminates the side of the face facing the camera. This is often used when a subject's face needs to appear broader or fuller, typically in studio portraits or interviews.

A light source placed behind and to one side of the subject, often used to give a slight rim effect on the subject's cheek or jawline. It's less intense than the back light and adds a sense of three-dimensionality.

A technique that creates a small shadow of the subject’s nose on their cheek, creating a loop-like shape. Often used for natural, pleasing lighting in portraits.

A technique in which lighting instruments are placed at opposite sides of the camera axis, creating a cross light effect. It can be used to reveal texture and form through pronounced shadows.

Lighting that mimics natural sources within the scene, like the sun or a lamp, to give the impression that the light originates from something within the story's world rather than an artificial source.

A reflection of a light source in the subject's eyes, often used to give life and expression to the subject. Catch lights are used to draw the viewer's attention to the eyes and connect the audience to the character.

Direct lighting that creates sharp-edged shadows and a higher contrast between light and dark areas. It often conveys a sense of drama or chiaroscuro. Using undiffused light sources such as spotlights achieves hard lighting.

Actual working lights in the scene, such as lamps or streetlights, that provide a sense of realism and can also function as a source of illumination for the subject.

The ratio of the intensity of the key light to the intensity of the fill light. It determines the overall contrast of the scene and can affect the mood of the image. A low ratio indicates low contrast and a softer look, while a high ratio means high contrast and more dramatic lighting.