Butterfly lighting is a lighting pattern used in portrait photography where the key light is placed above and pointing down on the subject’s face. This creates a dramatic shadow under the nose and chin that looks like a butterfly.

Whys is called butterfly lighting?

Butterfly lighting is a simple lighting pattern used in portrait photography. It’s named for the shadows that’s formed underneath the nose. Not seeing the butterfly? Picture a butterfly flying toward you, wings spread out…that’s the shadows it creates!

Butterfly lighting is a technique where the light source is placed directly above and slightly in front of the subject’s face, creating a small butterfly-shaped shadow under the nose. The technique is achieved by placing a light source at a 45-degree angle to the subject, slightly above eye level. The result is a soft and flattering effect that adds depth and dimension to the subject’s face.

To achieve butterfly lighting, you will need a light source, such as a studio light or natural light source. You can use a three-point lighting system, consisting of a key light, fill light, and hair light, to achieve butterfly lighting. The key light is positioned directly above and slightly in front of the subject’s face, while the fill light is placed on the opposite side to fill in any shadows. The hair light is placed behind the subject to separate them from the background.

Butterfly lighting is a popular lighting technique that can create soft and flattering portraits. Understanding the key elements and techniques involved in achieving butterfly lighting can help you create stunning portraits that stand out. With the right equipment and techniques, you can master butterfly lighting and create portraits that capture the mood and emotion of your subject. Experiment with butterfly lighting to create soft, flattering, and memorable portraits.