Which statement best describes negative fill in a studio lighting setup?

• A. Negative fill adds more light to the shadow side.
• B. Negative fill uses a bright lamp to flood the room.
• C. Negative fill eliminates light on the entire scene.
• D. Negative fill reduces light on the shadow side to increase contrast and texture.

Answer: (D)

Negative fill is about intentionally reducing light on the shadow side to deepen shadows, increase contrast, and bring out texture. By blocking or absorbing some of the light that would normally wrap into the darker area, you create more separation and a moodier, more three‑dimensional look. This is different from adding light to the shadow side (which would soften shadows) or flooding the scene with light, or removing light entirely. So the description that fits is reducing light on the shadow side to increase contrast and texture.