lighting techniques
Ways to illuminate
Lighting techniques are methods for illuminating a scene in photography, film, theater, or visual arts.
The term covers both equipment choices and their arrangement—where lights are placed, how they're diffused or directed, and how shadows are controlled.
Common techniques include three-point lighting, backlighting, and natural light manipulation.
The cinematographer's lighting techniques gave the film its noir atmosphere.
- accent lightingIllumination for emphasis
- ambient lightingSoft indirect room illumination
- backlightingLight source behind subject
- chiaroscuroContrast technique in painting
- floodlightBroad outdoor illumination source
footlight · spotlight · cinematography · recessed lighting · projection mapping · task lighting · gobo · shadow play · pendant lighting · stage lighting · low-key · golden hour · gels · rim · bounce · reflector · mise-en-scène · tungsten
- filmmovies, film, filmmaking, cinematography, film editing
- Art Documentationart prints, fine art prints, art reproduction, archival photos, documentation
lighting techniquesnatural light
Illumination from the sun
natural daylight · sunlight · available light · ambient light · daylight
lighting techniquesdarkness
Total absence of light
blackout · shadow · obscuration · dimness