Lighting

Hard light
 “is characterised by a high contrast of bright light, dark shadows and sharp edges”, creating “energy, excitement, suspense and tension”
(Sullivan et al 2008:118)

Soft light 
“is characterised by lower contrast and softer, diffused shadows”, and conveys calm, tranquillity, innocence and romance

(Sullivan et al 2008:118)

A low-key scene is “dark, high in contrast, often lit by a single light source, creating shadows and patterns of light.  The fall-off from light to dark is rapid. Foreground objects are typically seen in sillhouette” (Sullivan et al 2008:118).  Conveys sadness, isolation, depression, alienation, foreboding.

High key lighting “is bright, with light shadows.  It is low in contrast... Usually evokes cheerful, high energy atmosphere [but] can also be glaring, harsh or hot” (Sullivan et al 2008:118).