What type of lights are positioned directly above the subject to highlight facial and body features?

Top lights are positioned directly above the subject to illuminate and enhance facial and body features effectively. This type of lighting is commonly used in both theatrical performances and film to create a naturalistic effect, ensuring that the actor's expressions and movements are clearly visible to the audience. Top lights cast shadows downward, which can help in defining and sculpting the subject’s face and form, contributing to the overall visual storytelling.

The function of top lights distinguishes them from other lighting types, such as downlights, which typically illuminate a specific area from above but may not focus as directly on the subject. Uplights, on the other hand, are used to light from below and can create dramatic effects but do not serve the same purpose of highlighting facial features. Stage lights is a more general term that encompasses various lighting instruments used throughout a performance, rather than specifying a lighting technique focused on enhancing subjects directly above.