Rembrandt lighting is a way of taking a photo and creating an upside down triangle on one side of the models face just under the eye. The technique got its name from Dutch painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn

It was commonly used throughout 20th century Hollywood, often with hard light to create harsh dramatic shadows. As seen in the photo below.

It was often used for promotional pictures as by highlighting part of the face the model could either look dreamy or possibly serious. The technique is considered one of the main five studio portrait techniques.

To set up the studio for a Rembrandt photo sit the model at a 45 degree angle to the light then position the light accordingly. the model then could sit in a comfortable position unless there is a specific position the photographer is looking for.

Here are some photos that I have taken.

I brightened up the photos by bringing up the exposer slightly, same with the contrast. I used the adjustment brush to help brighten the eyes just lightly.