top lightingn.
/ˈtɒp ˌlʌɪtɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈtɑp ˌlaɪdɪŋ/ Lighting from above, esp. as used in photography, theatre, etc., to produce a particular atmosphere or effect.
ΚΠ
1850 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 13 209/1 Although all the details of the lighting are not given, there is sufficient in the plan..to show that top-lighting by skylights is extensively used.
1893 ‘O. Thanet’ Adventure in Photogr. viii. 148 I took a portrait of Jane, out-doors... I put the screen against the side of the house..which..would give much the effect of top lighting.
1927 H. Chalmers Art of Make-up 2 If footlights are not used and the horizontal lighting is made subordinate to the top lighting.., the eye socket becomes a black hole, while cheek bones attain an unsuspected prominence.
1951 R. Spottiswoode Film & its Techniques (1968) 320 It is sometimes necessary to sling a horizontal sound-absorbing curtain across the room... This..must not interfere with any top lighting which the cameraman may wish to use.
2021 Jersey Evening Post (Nexis) 13 July 24 Lighting is so important..in a kitchen. I recommend focusing on three different kinds when creating your perfect set-up: top lighting, task lighting and ambient lighting.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2022).
<
n.1850