nalicht

Nalicht is a Dutch term that denotes residual or afterlight—light that remains or spreads beyond the primary source, contributing a soft, diffuse glow to a scene. In photography and film, nalicht describes the subtle illumination created by indirect reflections from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces, as well as by remaining light from practicals or from nearby sources that are not the main key light. It is valued for shaping mood and dimensionality without producing hard shadows.

The term is formed from na- meaning after and licht meaning light, and is used in Dutch-language discussions of lighting, photography, and stage design. The term is rarely used in English but is encountered in discussions of Dutch lighting practice.

In cinematography, designers consider nalicht to avoid overexposure while preserving atmosphere; in architectural lighting, it refers to the ambient glow that enhances perception of depth; in photography, nalicht can be used to create a sense of realism by showing how a scene is lit by multiple sources. It is distinct from direct key lighting, backlighting, or rim lighting, though it often interacts with them.

Related concepts include afterglow, ambient light, spill light, and bounce light.