Low-key lighting
低调光 · 低调 · 暗调 · 明暗对照 · chiaroscuro
What it is
Mostly shadow with only key areas lit; strong contrast.
When to use it
Noir, suspense, horror, loneliness.
When not to
When the setting and lots of detail must read.
Often confused with
- High-key lighting
High-key is bright with few shadows.
Common generation mistakes
SymptomThe whole frame goes black and the subject is lost.
FixState a single pool of light on the subject with the rest falling into shadow.