Fill Light USA - Photography Terms & Glossary

Glossary Of Photography Terms [1]

Fill Light Fill light is a supplemental light source used in photography to soften shadows, reduce contrast, and illuminate dark areas of the subject or scene. It is typically used in conjunction with key light or main light to balance exposure, enhance details, and create a more natural and pleasing lighting effect. Fill light can be provided by artificial light sources such as strobes, speedlights, or continuous lighting, as well as natural light sources such as reflectors or bounce cards.
Fill light is often positioned opposite the key light to fill in shadows and evenly illuminate the subject, resulting in a more balanced and flattering lighting setup. Adjusting the intensity, direction, and color temperature of fill light allows photographers to control the mood, atmosphere, and visual impact of their images, creating dynamic and well-lit photographs.