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Even a reflector can be used as key light if it’s used as the main light to light the subject. This is most often the case when photographing in the golden hour with the sun behind the subject and a reflector in front bouncing light back into the subject.

This is the key light at work – creating a three dimensional look to an object on a two dimensional piece of paper or screen.

Regardless of what key lighting you use to light your subject, the main light is the light that you meter to correctly expose your subject.

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Sometimes only a key light is used, sometimes additional lighting is used, either as fill light to lighten the shadows or as the main light.

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Hi Brian Thank you so much for pointing that out – really appreciate it! I’ve fixed it now. You wouldn’t believe how often I catch myself making that mistake when writing these articles.

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With natural light photography, where you place your subject in relation to the light is important, but the same rules apply in terms of portrait lighting patterns.

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This is most obvious when we think of silhouettes, which are simply shapes with no depth or dimension, because they’re lit from behind. There’s no light skimming across the surface of the subject to create form by illuminating peaks and casting shadows, adding depth to dips with shadow.

Lighting is the defining element of any photo. It sets the mood, making it either uplifting and cheerful, or mysterious and moody and everything in between. The key light in photography defines a photo’s mood, so it’s the most important light around which all other lighting decisions are made.

Also, I love good news, so if my portrait lighting tips have helped you to understand what is a key light in photography, share that too.

When using flash to light the subject, you have more freedom as you can place your lighting in relation to the subject. You can also adjust it for more flattering results.

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I’ll start with what it’s not. A key light is not any specific type of light. Any light source can be used as a key light in photography.

Hi! I'm Jane Allan, professional portrait photographer and founder of The Lens Lounge - photography tutorials and online courses. Here to help you create the photos you dream of by sharing everything I've learned.

I mentioned earlier when using flash as the main light source, you can use the sun as a fill light and vice versa. It’s your choice, based on the key light position in relation to the subject and how bright it is.

Hi Jane, Very well written and detailed explanation on Key Light and how to use it. * You will need to swap the shutter speeds in the last paragraph describing the lighting used on the man. I read every word and can fill in where a word is missed or left out but this minor mistake could confuse a reader. Love your stuff!

Although the main light is the most important light, it’s the balance between this and how bright the background is that determines whether an image is: