@_mimiandmason (Side lighting a F-stops quick reference) Video by MimiandMason
My Notes: Side lighting a F-stops quick reference
Lighting ratios describe the difference in light intensity between your key light and your fill light. The key is your primary source, while the fill exists to lift (or preserve) detail in the shadows. This relationship quietly dictates mood, realism, and focus.
Brightness is measured in stops, where each stop represents a 2x (or 0.5x) change in intensity. For example, if your key side reads f/4 and your fill side reads f/2, that’s a two-stop difference (f/4 → f/2.8 → f/2) and a 4:1 ratio. A 1:1 ratio can feel flat, while 2:1 often feels open, soft, and honest. As you move into 4:1 and 8:1, shape and tension begin to emerge. Push into 16:1 or 32:1 and the image becomes graphic, stylized, and emotionally weighted.
There’s no “correct” ratio. What matters is intention. Lighting ratios are a storytelling tool, not a technical checkbox. They influence where the eye goes, what information is revealed, and what’s left to the imagination. The key is choosing the ratio that serves the scene.
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