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Photography vocabulary · Light & Lighting

Key light

Meaning in photography, with examples

nounCommon term

In photography, key light means: The main and usually strongest light in a lighting setup, which sets the direction and mood of the light on the subject.

In Turkish: ana ışık, anahtar ışık

How it is used

Used in studio and on-location lighting, and in film. Photographers place the key light first, then add fill light and a rim or hair light. Classic key light positions have names such as Rembrandt, loop and butterfly lighting.

Example sentences

  1. The key light is a large octabox to the left of the camera.

  2. Raise the key light a little; the shadow under her nose is too long.

Common collocations

  • position the key light
  • key light and fill light
  • key-to-fill ratio
  • fill lightA weaker, secondary light used to brighten the shadows created by the key light without removing them completely.
  • softboxA box-shaped light modifier with a white, translucent front that fits over a flash or lamp to spread its light and make it softer.
  • strobeA powerful flash unit, usually used in a studio on a light stand, that gives a short, bright burst of light.
  • backlightLight that comes from behind the subject, toward the camera. It can create a glowing outline, a silhouette or lens flare.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Light & Lighting

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