Chiaroscuro

Chiaroscuro in art is characterized by strong contrasts between light and dark, usually bold contrasts affecting a whole composition.

Chiaroscuro is also used in cinematography to indicate extreme low-key lighting to create distinct areas of light and darkness in films.













This still is taken from Sin city showing an example of Chiaroscuro

This image shows the effect of Chiaroscuro in a film noir showing the contrast of the light balance and affecting the atmosphere of the scene.