💡 Lighting
Key light
The main light source in a photography setup.
What is key light?
The key light is the primary and brightest light source in your setup, responsible for the main illumination of your subject. It establishes the overall exposure and determines where the main shadows fall. In product photography, the key light is typically positioned at a 45-degree angle to the product to create dimension and show texture. The quality (hard or soft) and position of the key light dramatically affects how the product looks.
Pro tips
Position key light at 45 degrees above and to the side of the product
Use a softbox or diffuser on your key light for most products
Related terms
More lighting terms
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