Portrait Lighting Techniques

Butterfly or Glamour Lighting:

The term, "Butterfly Lighting," comes from a characteristic butterfly shaped shadow beneath the subject's nose. If you want to use butterfly lighting you should line your Main Light up along your subject's nose axis and then raise the light until you see the characteristic shadow. This style of lighting is also known as glamour lighting because it was used extensively by the great Hollywood portrait photographers of the '20s, '30s and '40s. Although light placement is identical for butterfly and glamour lighting, photographers such as George Hurrell gave it a special look by using a spotlight as the Main Light rather than a softer light source.

Broad Lighting:

To create a broad light, pose your subject to show a 2/3 or 3/4 view of the face and direct your main light toward the side of the face that is closest to the camera. A broad light can be used to add weight to a face that is too thin. Years ago, teachers of photography told us that broad lighting was the feminine style of lighting.

45 degree Lighting or Rembrandt lighting:

Direct your Main Light toward your subject's face at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. You can use 45 degree light from the broad side, or the short side and to light either a full face or profile portrait. The Main Light should be placed higher than the subject's head and is directed down and at an angle of about 45 degrees. One characteristic of 45 degree lighting is the triangle of light from the Main Light that is on the shadow side of the subject's face. 45 degree lighting is also known as Rembrandt lighting because it is the style of lighting that is seen in many of his paintings.

Split Lighting:

Split lighting is simply lighting half of the subject’s face, while leaving the other half in complete shadow. This form of lighting creates a sense of drama in a portrait. Split Lighting is probably the least used style of portrait lighting, but it can be very effective.

Lighting from above:

Lighting a figure from straight above can give a broody and menacing look. It emphasises bone structure and the depth of the eye sockets. Creates an uncomfortable feeling.

Lighting from below:

Lighting a figure from below creates a spooky and unfamiliar look, even the highlights in the eyes look strange because of their placement. Notice how the angle of the light also emphasises the texture of the skin.The very rarity of this kind of lighting can be used to creative effect. We instinctively recognise things that don't seem right, and this can be used to create specific moods by manipulating the lighting to convey emotions and responses.