tonalcontrast
nounA tonal contrast is a big difference between light and dark in a picture.
The photo of the old tree looks striking because of the strong tonal contrast between the bright sky and the dark branches.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In music, a tonal contrast is a clear change in key, mood, or sound color between sections of a piece.
The symphony's second movement offers a gentle tonal contrast to the loud opening.
3. In language, a tonal contrast is a difference in pitch that changes a word's meaning, as in many Asian and African languages.
In Mandarin, the tonal contrast between the rising and falling tones can turn one word into another.
4. In art and design, a tonal contrast is the use of very light and very dark areas together to create depth or drama.
The painter used tonal contrast to make the figure stand out against the shadowy background.