Professional film/cinematography term.
Definition
Chiaroscuro (Italian: light-dark) is a lighting technique based on strong contrasts between illuminated and shadowed areas of an image. The term originates from Renaissance and Baroque painting and became a fundamental principle of cinematic lighting design.
Characteristics
- Strong light-dark contrasts
- Selective lighting (not everything is illuminated)
- Sculptural, three-dimensional effect
- Emotional and dramatic intensity
See also
- Low-Key Lighting – Related style
- Film Noir – Classic application
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Lighting · Terms
Key Light
The Key Light is the main light source of a scene, defining the character, mood, and…
Lighting · Terms
Low-Key Lighting
Lighting · Terms
Golden Hour
Lighting · Terms
Compact 575
Lighting · Equipment
Fiilex Q500
Compact 500W LED fixture from Fiilex with variable Color Temperature and dimming — ideal…