Definition: Chiaroscuro lighting is a high-contrast lighting technique that utilises a low-key lighting setup to achieve contrast between the subject and a dark background.

Examples of this lighting:

This lighting is used for balancing high-contrast light and shade to give the appearance of depth, creating an enhanced or more dramatic effect. It illuminates the subjects and emphasizes them.

The photographs taken with this lighting technique are often monochrome. This is because it works well with the high contrast.

It originated in Italy where it started off as an art movement and was developed by Leonardo Davinci, Caravaggio, Vermeer, and Rembrandt during the Renaissance period.

Setup

Light – The way to set up this lighting is by placing a single light source at an angle to the subject.

Own response to this lighting technique