STAC Photography Terms

Short Lit: If a person were to face you and the light source is on the far side of the subject while you shoot from the side closest to you, the subject will look slimmer. This is because the side that is not lit creates shadows.

Broad Lit: If a person were to face you and you light the side of the face closest to you and shoot, the subject would look more empowered. The shadows created emphasizes the subject's power and strength. Should not be used on subjects who are heavy, for it will make the subject look heavier.

Rim/Back Lit: Shooting the subject if the light source is behind the subject.

Loop Lighting: Loop Lighting creates loop shaped shadows that form underneath the nose. It is a flattering and adaptable pattern that lights most of the face, while maintaining a sense of depth.

Butterfly/Paramount Lighting: Butterfly/Paramount lighting is characterized by the butterfly-shaped shadow that is cast beneath the nose. Best used on lean subjects with high and pronounced cheekbones. Achieved by placing light source above the face in line with the direction the face is pointing.

Rembrant Lighting: Similar to Loop Lighting, but with the light source moved higher and further to the left/right of the face. A small triangle of light appears under the eye on the shadow side of the face. Usually reserved for character studies and 'moody' fashion.

Split/Hatchet/Clint Lighting: Half of the face is lighted and the other half is shadow. Produced by placing the lighting source to the right/left of which the subject is facing. Useful for narrowing the face and for cloaking facial imperfections in shadow.

Light/Flash Ratios: Mix between ambient light and light from your flash.

High Key: Style for lighting film, television, or photography that aims to reduce contrast. Achieved by lighting multiple sources which create a uniform lighting pattern. Little contrast and not many shadows. Most commonly used for portraits of women and little children. Gives an ethereal look to the photograph.

Low Key: Style for lighting film, television, or photography that aims to increase contrast. Accentuates the contours of an object. Achieved by throwing areas into shade while a fill light/reflector illuminates the shadow areas to control contrast. Gives a serious or somber mood.

Fill: Additional light from a lamp, flash, or reflector. Used to soften or fill in the shadows or dark picture areas caused by brighter main light sources.

Accent/Kicker: Also known as rim lights, this accents the edges of the subject. The function the kicker is to add shape and dimension to the subject or overall highlighting it. It is used to add drama and get a more three-dimensional shape.

Hair Light: Used to enhance the texture of the hair and provide separation from the background. Can add dramatic impacts, but should not be used on people with thinning hair or bald plates.

Backdrop Light: The even illumination of a painted or photographic backdrop.

Softbox: A softbox is an enclosure around the bulb where the interior lining is reflective, with a diffusing material at the front of the light. It is used to create a softm indirect light.

Umbrella: Used as a diffusion device when using artifical lighting.

Shoot Through Umbrella: Used as a diffusion device when using artifical lighting. Light goes through the umbrella and is diffused, rather than reflecting off the inside of the umbrella.

Flash Meter: Used in flash photography to verify correct exposure.


Tungsten Lighting: Different from fluorescent and strobe lighting. It is an incandescent light. Tends to be warmer.

Incident Light Meter: Measures the amount of light falling on the subject.

Reflected Light Meter: Measures the average brightness of the light reflected from various parts of the scene. They are influenced by both how much light there is in the scene and how reflective the subject is.

Evaluative Meter: Used to get an a avergae exposure reading.

Color Temperature: Sometimes referred to as White Balance, it allows a change in color values to simulate variations in ambient color temperature.

Spot Meter: Used to avoid under- or over-exposing subjects.