lighting

Question 1

Key Light

Answer 1

This is the main light. It is usually the strongest and has the most influence on the look of the scene. It is placed to one side of the camera/subject so that this side is well lit and the other side has some shadow.

Question 2

Fill Light

Answer 2

This is the secondary light and is placed on the opposite side of the key light. It is used to fill the shadows created by the key. The fill will usually be softer and less bright than the key. To achieve this, you could move the light further away or use some spun. You might also want to set the fill light to more of a flood than the key.

Question 3

Back Light

Answer 3

The back light is placed behind the subject and lights it from the rear. Rather than providing direct lighting (like the key and fill), its purpose is to provide definition and subtle highlights around the subject’s outlines. This helps separate the subject from the background and provide a three-dimensional look.

Question 4

High key

Answer 4

bright, no shadows, similar to day light, creates positivity.

Question 5

Lowkey

Answer 5

high contrast, more dramatic, menacing, shadows more defined

Question 6

Soft lighting

Answer 6

is when the transition between the light and the shadows is more of a gradient and much smoother. When your subject is bathed in soft light, there will be little to no shadows on their face.

Question 7

Hard light

Answer 7

is a direct source of light that’s focused on the subject. It could be light from the sun, a continuous light, or a flash. Because hard light is so strong and directional, it creates strong shadows that are crisp and well-defined.