Cinematography- Lighting Terms

Question 1

What are the three lights used in 3 POINT LIGHTING?

Answer 1

• Key Light- primary light source- provides base light
• Fill Light- provides fill to balance out contrast
• Back Light- provides separation from the subject and background. Also adds accent to hair and shoulders.

Question 2

What is the purpose of 3 Point Lighting?

Answer 2

•Used to eliminate shadows and create a realistic feel.

Question 3

What is LOW KEY LIGHTING?

Answer 3

• Shows contours of an object by throwing it into light or shadow
• Creates mystery or suspense
• Developed from German Expressionist Movement

Question 4

What is DIRECTIONAL LIGHTING?

Answer 4

• Extension of low key light.

* Often used to create a somber mood

Question 5

What is HIGH KEY LIGHTING?

Answer 5

• Creates a happy, upbeat mood

* Can create an ethereal,other worldly look

Question 6

What is HALO EFFECT?

Answer 6

•Light source is positioned above the subject, creating a glow around the hair and shoulders.

Question 7

What is the BACKLIGHTING EFFECT?

Answer 7

•Similar to Low Key and Halo lighting- source of light is positioned behind the subject, often to create an enigmatic/mysterious/suspenseful look.

Question 8

What is KICKER LIGHT/EYE LIGHT?

Answer 8

•Source of light that is positioned around the subject and is designed to place some light on them, drawing out hints of their features

Question 9

What is CHIAROSCURO LIGHTING?

Answer 9

• A term from Italian Renaissance painting to describe the dramatic effect of contrasting areas of light and dark
• Often used in paintings, graphic novels and photography.
• Film noir and neo-noir make use of chiaroscuro to create striking hyper real visuals
• Typically used in FILM NOIR