Cove Lighting Contrast Ratio

This is my first time replying on the forums here- but I think I can answer this question.

The contrast ratio should be whatever dramatically serves the story. Sometimes it makes sense to have high contrast between the key side and the fill side because you want the scene to feel dramatic. Sometimes it makes sense to have a low contrast ratio because you want the scene to be less dramatic. Basically it all comes down to the idea that high contrast ratios hide details about the scene. On a psychological level, not being able to see things communicates a sense of unease.

Of course, this all can change depending on the context of the scene. You probably wouldn’t use a high contrast ratio to light a scene where a mother cries over the kitchen sink and finally accepts the tragic death of her child. Yes this scene is very dramatic, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to have such high contrast for such a tender moment- plus it likely wouldn’t be motivated by the environment.

All this being said, it really just depends on what you’re trying to do with the scene. If instead we had a similar scene, but the mother was spiraling into depression, a higher contrast ratio might make sense. Contrast ratios are not a technical challenge we give ourselves for the sake of doing something technical- they’re a tool we use to creatively use light to tell the story. (And in this instance, to keep lighting continuity through a scene)

As others have already mentioned, contrast ratio is a creative choice based on how dramatic you would like the scene…all true but it’s not always so philosophical or up in the air.

The key to fill contrast ratio chosen for your subject should be an extension of the light in the entire scene. If you have the lighting or abilities to control your entire frame, do so and then light your subject accordingly.

Given that this question seems to be an approach to the subject alone, let the light in your scene determine the contrast on the face.