Key light
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The key light is the first and usually most important light that a photographer, cinematographer, lighting camera operator, or other scene composer will use in a lighting setup. The purpose of the key light is to highlight the form and dimension of the subject. The key light is not a rigid requirement; omitting the key light can result in a silhouette effect. Many key lights may be placed in a scene to illuminate a moving subject at opportune moments.
The key light is the first and usually most important light that a photographer, cinematographer, lighting camera operator, or other scene composer will use in a lighting setup. The purpose of the key light is to highlight the form and dimension of the subject. The key light is not a rigid requirement; omitting the key light can result in a silhouette effect. Many key lights may be placed in a scene to illuminate a moving subject at opportune moments.
Position of camera
The key light can be "hard" (focused) or "soft" (diffused), and depending on the desired setup can be placed at different angles relative to the subject. When part of the most common setup—three-point lighting—the key light is placed at a 30–60° angle (with the camera marking 0°). In addition to the horizontal angle, the key light can be placed high or low, producing different effects. The most common vertical angle for the key light is 30° above eye level, so that the nose would not cast a shadow on the lips. A key light positioned low appears to distort the actor's features, since most natural or ambient light is normally overhead. A dramatic effect used in horror or comedy cinematography is a key light illuminating the face from below. A high key light will result in more prominent cheek bones and long nose shadows. Marlene Dietrich was famous for insisting that her key light be placed high.
Lighting choices
In many cases, the key light is a stage light for indoor scenes, or sunlight for outdoors. A lighting instrument may also be used outdoors to supplement sunlight or as the primary light source with sunlight or skylight serving as fill lighting. Lamps and light fixtures that are visible props on the set (called "practicals") can serve as key lights if they are of sufficient brightness. Similarly, fire, candles and other natural sources of light can be used.
References
See also
High-key lighting Low-key lighting Low-key photography Stage lighting instrument McCandless method Top-left lighting
Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1359020059 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.