Portrait Photography Part 3

In this final post, I discussed the different types of lights and the various facial effects that can be achieved by directing light. Today, I’ll put them all together to discuss the four traditional lighting setups and how to place the different types of light (key, fill, hair, and background) to obtain their unique lighting effect.

The first lighting setup we will be discussing is Rembrandt lighting. Rembrandt lighting is most recognizable by the shadow from the nose connects with the shadow of the cheek. This creates a signature triangular highlight on the cheek. Besides creating a dramatic effect, when Rembrandt and narrow lighting techniques are used together, it will slim the subject’s face.

As seen in the below diagram, the main/key light is located 45 degrees to the side of the subject. The main light is not directly shown on the subject’s face but instead shown slightly in front of the face.

The next lighting setup we will be discussing is Butterfly lighting. Butterfly lighting is recognizable by the symmetry of the shadows. It not only creates bottom shadows from the nose but also under the cheeks and neck. For older subjects, the butterfly lighting pattern fills in and lightens many of the shadows in the wrinkles, and it creates a shadowed area under the chin to hide wrinkles in the neck.

As seen in the below diagram, the main/key light is located directly and above the subject. Unlike Rembrandt lighting, it is directed at the subject’s face.

The next lighting setup we will be discussing is Split lighting. Split lighting is recognizable by the vertical and symmetrical division of the face; the end result is that one side is lit, and one side is shadowed. This effect creates a dramatic mood. Since it creates sharp angles, it also creates a masculine portrait.

As seen in the below diagram, the main/key light is located 90 degrees to the side of the subject. The main light is not directly shown on the subject’s face but instead shown slightly in front of the face. For more dramatic effects, using modifier “strips” will concentrate the light to specific facial areas.

The last lighting setup we will be discussing is Loop lighting. Loop lighting is very similar to Rembrandt lighting but does not have the triangular highlight on the cheek. Instead, the shadow from the nose does not connect with the shadow of the cheek. When loop and narrow lighting techniques are used together, it will slim the subject’s face.

As seen in the below diagram, the main/key light is located 30-40 degrees to the side of the subject. Directly slightly in front of the face, the key light is height adjusted to the subject’s eye level to ensure a catch light.