Low-key lighting is a style of lighting for photography, film or television.
It is a necessary element in creating a chiaroscuro effect.
Traditional photographic lighting (three-point lighting) uses a key light, a fill light and a back light for illumination.
Low-key lighting often uses only a key light, optionally controlled with a fill light or a simple reflector.
Low key light accentuates the contours of the subject by throwing areas into shade while a fill light or reflector may illuminate the shadow areas to control contrast.
The relative strength of key-to-fill, known as the lighting ratio, can be measured using a light meter.
Low key lighting has a higher lighting ratio, e.g., 8:1, than high-key lighting, which can approach 1:1.
The term "low key" is also used in cinematography and photography to refer to any scene with a high lighting ratio, especially if there is a predominance of shadowy areas.
It tends to heighten the sense of alienation felt by the viewer, hence is typically used in dark dramas/ thrillers, film noir, and horror genres.
Low-key lighting is also associated with German Expressionism.
File:Low-key cat.jpg File:Low-key photography - portrait of a young man.jpg File:Low key Nina.jpg File:Avocado leaflets.JPG|thumb| See also
Contre-jour
High-key lighting
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