contrast-and-shadow-control

name	contrast-and-shadow-control
description	Use when adjusting scene contrast. Contrast = difference between brightest + darkest. Control with key-fill ratio.

Contrast and Shadow Control

High contrast (key only, no fill) = dramatic. Low contrast (key + lots of fill) = flat, even. Mid contrast (key + moderate fill) = standard.

Contrast settings

1. High contrast (10:1+): dramatic, cinematic, moody
2. Mid contrast (4:1): standard interview, talking head
3. Low contrast (2:1): even, news/commercial style
4. Very low contrast (1.5:1): ultra-flat, fashion/beauty

Adjusting contrast

Reduce contrast (less drama):

• Add fill light
• Move fill closer to subject
• Use larger fill source (softer)
• Add bounce cards

Increase contrast (more drama):

• Reduce fill intensity
• Move fill farther
• Use harder fill (smaller source)
• Add negative fill (black absorber)

Contrast for skin tones

Skin tones look best at:

• 4:1 to 6:1 contrast ratio
• Soft shadow edges (not hard)
• Slight warmth (not cool blue)
• Avoid grey-green tones (poor lighting/WB)

Test on real skin tones during setup. Different ethnicities need different exposure for accuracy.

Where this fits in the X3 empire

Lighting contrast for CardPrepAI video moods.