Term
Reflected light
Meaning
Reflected light is light bounced from nearby surfaces into the shadow side of a form, keeping that side from looking flat and black. It appears as a slightly lighter band near the edge of the shadow, and it is always dimmer than the lit side. It matters because it helps a shadow side read as round volume. Use it sparingly, so it never becomes brighter than the lights, and keep it consistent with the nearby surfaces that supply it. See also: Core shadow, Terminator, Value and the guide "Torso, Mannequins and Light on Form: Building Solid Figures".