The dominant light on a subject in film, photography, video and stage, typically placed to one side and above the camera or audience view. Fill light softens the shadows it creates and backlight separates the subject from the background, together forming three-point lighting. The ratio of key to fill sets the mood, from flat and even for news to high contrast for drama.
Move the key light round to camera left and lift it, his glasses are throwing a reflection straight into the lens.
Also heard as
- key
- main light
Related terms
Gaffer
The head of the lighting and electrical department on a film or television set.
Flag
A black fabric panel on a frame used on film sets to block light from hitting part of a scene or the lens.
Practical
A working light fixture that appears in the scene itself, such as a table lamp, sconce or neon sign.
Throw
The distance from a lighting fixture to the surface or subject it lights, which sets beam size and intensity.