Rembrandt Lighting is a portrait lighting technique which is named after the 17th century Dutch painter: Rembrandt. Rembrandt lighting involves illuminating the models face at a slight angle to create a small triangle highlight on the cheek that is on the other side to the light source. This technique is used a lot in portraiture photography, it is used for its form of adding depth and a dramatic feeling to the models features. To take photos with Rembrandt lighting you need: A light source – studio lights, A reflector and a background – usually blank and basic.

Butterfly lighting is another portrait lighting technique, however in this technique the light source is positioned directly in front of the model and slightly high up, just above their eye level. By the light being above eye level, it creates a symmetrical shadow under the model’s nose, which has the shape of a butterfly shape. Butterfly lighting is also known as paramount lighting because of its history with Hollywood photographer, George Hurrell who used this technique often. Butterfly lighting minimizes shadows and highlights the cheekbones; this technique usually works well when you want a soft look on the model’s face.

Chiaroscuro lighting in photography is a technique that highlights contrasts between light and dark areas to make a dramatic image. In Chiaroscuro photography, photographers purposefully light up certain parts of the model and leave other parts in shadow, which creates a bold blend between light and darkness. This technique usually highlights form and adds depth to the image. Chiaroscuro lighting involves a lot of work with artificial lighting and playing around with the lighting until it is correct.