Split Lighting is when the light in the setup “illuminates the subject perpendicular to the model”. The set-up lights up only half of the face presented while keeping the other hidden and “shadowed”. Therefore, it can split the lighting on the subject’s face. This technique creates a sharp yet subtle/moody contrast that can make the image look more dramatic, assertive, and intimidating. It can emphasize power, glamour, and drama in a photograph. At its most basic level, it’s constructed with a single light source placed 90 degrees from the subject and a bit higher than eye level.
The setup:
My Own Response:
