Common Lighting Ratios
Typical flash meter used for calculating lighting ratios
Ratio
StopsDifference
Description
1:1
NoDifference
Flatlighting
2:1
1Stop
Generalcolor photography
3:1
11/2 Stops
Generalblack & white photography
4:1
2Stops
Dramaticlighting, low key
8:1
3Stops
Verydramatic, low key