underlighting
Light from beneath
Underlighting is light directed upward from below a subject, the opposite of typical overhead illumination.
In photography and film, underlighting creates dramatic shadows and an eerie or sinister effect—the classic flashlight-under-the-chin look of horror stories.
In design, underlighting illuminates cabinets, stairs, or furniture from beneath: The kitchen featured subtle underlighting along the counters.
Lamps at stage edge
- spotlightsFocused theatrical lighting
- gelsSets or coagulates
- riggingRopes controlling ship sails
- dimmerLight intensity regulator
cues · scrim · ellipsoidal · color temperature · uplighter · orchestra pit · proscenium · dramatic entrance
Light directed from below
- display caseEnclosed viewing cabinet
- toe kickCabinet base indentation
- handrailBar for gripping on stairs
- pathwayDesignated route for travel
Degree of light emitted
- lumensMeasure of visible light
- glowSteady, soft light
- illuminationProvision of light
- LEDSemiconductor that glows
wattage · luminosity · beam · radiance · gleam · dimmer · color temperature · diffused
Restrained and understated
- high contrastStrong tonal difference
- chiaroscuroContrast technique in painting
- silhouetteFilled-in outline shape
- goboLight-blocking studio screen
gel · barn doors · flag · diffuser · cinematography · noir
Resembling a specter
- hauntingDisturbingly unforgettable
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- sinisterThreateningly suggestive of harm
- creepyDisturbingly strange
ominous · foreboding · shadowy · macabre · gothic · spectral · uncanny · mysterious
Vehicle floor space
- neonInert illuminating element
- ground effectsAirflow beneath a vehicle
- underbodyBottom of a vehicle
- wheel wellsBodywork cavities for tires
footlights
Lamps at stage edge
- spotlightsFocused theatrical lighting
- gelsSets or coagulates
- riggingRopes controlling ship sails
dimmer · cues · scrim · ellipsoidal · color temperature · uplighter · orchestra pit · proscenium · dramatic entrance · villain reveal
uplighting
Light directed from below
- display caseEnclosed viewing cabinet
- toe kickCabinet base indentation
- handrailBar for gripping on stairs
brightness
Degree of light emitted
- lumensMeasure of visible light
- glowSteady, soft light
- illuminationProvision of light
LED · wattage · luminosity · beam · radiance · gleam · dimmer · color temperature · diffused · harsh
low-key
Restrained and understated
- high contrastStrong tonal difference
- chiaroscuroContrast technique in painting
- silhouetteFilled-in outline shape
gobo · gel · barn doors · flag · diffuser · cinematography · noir
ghostly
Resembling a specter
- hauntingDisturbingly unforgettable
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- sinisterThreateningly suggestive of harm
creepy · ominous · foreboding · shadowy · macabre · gothic · spectral · uncanny · mysterious · spooky
footwell
Vehicle floor space
- neonInert illuminating element
- ground effectsAirflow beneath a vehicle
- underbodyBottom of a vehicle
underlightingoverlighting
Excessive artificial illumination
toplighting · downlighting · pendant lighting · recessed lighting · skylight
under, light, lighting, lights, lighted, lighter, lightest, lighten, lightened