5 SIMPLE POSITIONS FOR PORTRAIT

LIGHTING

http://digital-photography-school.com/5-classic-lighting-positions-for-portrait-photography

Considerations

Model does not sit square to the camera Turn model one direction or the other so

that light sources will affect a given area of the face in terms of how light vs. shadow falls on the subject

Different subjects might demand different lighting conditions – experiment with lighting before creating a portrait!!

1. Rembrant Light

Light positioned ‘Slight Camera Right or Left’

1. Rembrant Light

Shadow off of model’s nose closes a loop on the shadow from model’s cheek

Small triangle on side of face that remains in more shadow

No shadow fill Single, simple light placement

2. Split Light

Move light far right (or left) so that it is splitting the model’s face in terms of strong light vs. shadow

2. Split Light

Light splits models’ face Strong highlight side and strong shadow

side Split light runs down bridge of model’s

nose Dramatic, interesting light vs. shadow Makes a stronger statement

3. Broad Light

3. Broad Light Move light back to Rembrant position Model turns and faces AWAY FROM LIGHT ‘Rembrant’ traingle on far side Broad (more intense area of light) on the

dominant side of model’s face Light can flow from Rembrant, to Broad,

to Split easily if positioned correctly

4. Butterfly (or Paramount) Light

Light positioned up high, light hitting model directly from front, angled down

4. Butterfly Light

Softbox/light positioned so that light is hitting model directly from front

Positioned up high, light coming down from above on steep angle

‘Butterfly’ shadow just underneath model’s nose

Nice shadow on right/left cheeks Chin shadow underneath model ‘Beauty Lighting’

4. Butterfly Light

Fill card underneath (white bristol board can substitute for this as well) Place on Model’s lap Fills up chin area underneath Fills up shadow area under the nose

Need to get highlight (small square of light) in the eye

5. Loop Light

Light still coming from above, but at Slight Camera Right or Left. Not directly hitting model.

5. Loop Light

Not the same steep angle right between camera and model’s face as Butterfly

Creates ‘Loop’ Shadow on model’s face Will give preference to shadow on one

side over the other Variation of butterfly Light a little higher than ‘Rembrant’

Lighting

Key Light Provides main source of lighting, creates the

main/dramatic light and shadow contrasts on model

Fill Light Fills in areas of light/shadow (i.e. can lessen

dramatic shadows); not as strong/influential as key light though

Background Light Highlights or creates value changes in the

background (i.e. light to dark transition behind model)

Lighting