What is a kicker light, and how is it different from a hair light?

Question

In portrait or studio lighting, what does the term “kicker” mean? Where is it usually placed, what effect does it create, and how does it compare with a hair light or rim light?

user1375 · Accepted Answer

I'd usually use the term kicker to refer to any highly off axis light which strikes a glancing blow on the subject. This creates a highlight or gradient over a small area of the image in order to accent the area, define shape.

I [over]use this type of light mostly in portraiture, where primarily it helps define the unlit side of the face. It also adds drama, gives the image a modern look, here's a comparison with and without the kicker:

It can be more subtle than this, as in the following image. I find a tiny bit of light on the off side almost always improves a shot:

The kicker can have the effect of fattening the face a little so there are times when the standard short lighting pattern is preferable. Here's a not so subtle kicker using a bare strobe to the left:

The term rim light is also used for kickers though I find it's used more for the occasions where the light is so oblique that all you get is a strong highlight, as in the following image:

Jill Greenberg uses a pair of kickers in pretty much every shot

What is a kicker light, and how is it different from a hair light?

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