There are three main types of lighting: Rembrandt, Butterfly and Chiaruscuro. They each include different forms of direction, intensity and temperature of lighting which alters the size and shape onto the subject. Also, different toned reflectors can be used to change the temperature or direction of the light.
REMBRANDT LIGHTING
Rembrandt lighting is typically used in portrait photography and gained it’s name from Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, the great Dutch painter.
It consists of using one light and one reflector (or two lights), instantly creating shadows and contrast. This specific technique creates a triangular shape under the subjects eye which increases the emphasis of drama to the viewer. This draws them in because the eyes are the main focal point in portraiture and something that can take on many forms and show emotion.
This makes a more appealing image as it has a creative side to it – it isn’t just general light on the face and exposes the features of the face more.
Creating a Rembrandt lighting set up:
The lighting depends on its position to the subject. In this case, it must be 40 to 45-degree angle and higher than the subject. Flashlights and continuous lights are the correct ones to use.
Depending on how much of your subject you are aiming to shoot, you should use a 35mm or 50mm if you’re looking at including more of the subject than just the head and shoulders. However, 50mm will give a nice depth of field.
