Rembrandt Lighting

• Features: A triangle of light under the subject’s eye on the shadowed side.
• Use: Creates dramatic, moody portraits with a natural feel.
• Setup: Key light placed at 45° above and to the side, creating shadows.

Overview of Rembrandt Lighting

Rembrandt lighting is a classic and widely-used lighting technique in studio portrait photography and cinematography, named after the renowned Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. This lighting style is highly valued for its ability to create dramatic yet natural-looking images with minimal equipment, making it a popular choice among photographers and filmmakers alike.

At the core of Rembrandt lighting is the distinct illuminated triangle, or “Rembrandt patch,” which appears on the subject’s face under the eye on the shadowed side. This triangle of light, typically formed by the nose casting a shadow on the cheek and chin, is a defining feature of the style and contributes to the depth and dimensionality of the portrait. The illuminated triangle adds a sense of realism and visual interest, giving the image a balance of contrast without overwhelming the subject’s features.

Achieving Rembrandt lighting can be done using a single light source combined with a reflector to bounce some light back onto the shaded side of the face, or through the use of two light sources for more control over shadows and highlights. The key to this technique is the positioning of the light: the main light is typically placed at a 45-degree angle from the subject, both horizontally and vertically, so that the light falls across the face in such a way that one side is illuminated, while the other side is left in shadow, with the exception of the illuminated triangle under the eye.

This lighting technique is prized for its versatility and dramatic effect, and it works especially well for creating portraits with a sense of mystery, depth, and emotional impact. It is commonly used in both traditional and contemporary portrait photography, as well as in cinematic scenes where the interplay of light and shadow is used to enhance the mood or character development.

While the style is closely associated with Rembrandt, who used a similar lighting technique in his paintings to create contrast, depth, and a sense of volume in his subjects, it has since evolved into an established technique in modern visual arts. Rembrandt lighting is often contrasted with other portrait lighting techniques, such as butterfly lighting, which produces a more uniform and softer lighting effect, emphasizing a different mood and appearance.

Rembrandt mood board

Originals

studio Lighting photoshoot

Rembrandt Lighting photos

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Butterfly Lighting

Features: A butterfly-shaped shadow under the subject’s nose, created by the light’s high and centered position.

Use: Produces flattering, symmetrical lighting that enhances facial features, softens imperfections, and adds a polished look. Popular for beauty, fashion, and classic Hollywood-style portraits.

Setup: Position the key light directly in front of and slightly above the subject, at a 25–30° downward angle. Use a reflector or fill light below the subject to soften shadows under the chin.

Overview

Butterfly lighting is a timeless and elegant lighting technique commonly used in portrait photography and cinematography. It derives its name from the distinct butterfly-shaped shadow that forms under the subject’s nose when the lighting is properly positioned. Renowned for its ability to produce soft, even illumination, this technique highlights facial symmetry and contours, making it ideal for beauty and glamour photography.

The defining feature of butterfly lighting is the gentle interplay of light and shadow, which sculpts the face and enhances features like cheekbones and jawlines. This style of lighting minimizes imperfections and creates a luminous, polished look, often associated with the iconic portraits of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

To achieve butterfly lighting, place the key light directly in front of the subject and slightly above their eye level, angling it downward at approximately 25–30 degrees. This placement ensures even lighting on the face while casting the characteristic shadow beneath the nose and chin. Adding a reflector or fill light below the subject can further refine the look by reducing shadows under the chin and enhancing the overall softness of the image.

Butterfly lighting is especially effective for creating glamorous and professional portraits. Its ability to flatter various face shapes and skin textures makes it a popular choice for headshots, senior portraits, and beauty campaigns. While traditionally associated with female subjects, this technique can also produce stunning results for male portraits when paired with slight adjustments to highlight strength and confidence.

Compared to other techniques like Rembrandt lighting, which emphasizes dramatic contrast and depth, butterfly lighting offers a clean, radiant aesthetic with smooth transitions between light and shadow. Its versatility and simplicity make it an essential tool for photographers and filmmakers aiming to create refined and timeless portraits.

Butterfly mood board

Originals

This was unsuccessful because the lighting was to soft and not harsh enough to create the butterfly effect.

Chiaroscuro

Features: Strong contrast between light and shadow, creating a dramatic and three-dimensional effect.

Use: Adds depth, mood, and intensity to images, commonly used in fine art, portraiture, and cinematic storytelling.

Setup: Use a single directional light source, such as a spotlight or window, positioned at an angle to create sharp contrasts and defined shadows on the subject.

Overview

Chiaroscuro lighting is a dramatic technique that emphasizes strong contrasts between light and shadow to create a sense of depth, volume, and mood. The term originates from the Italian words “chiaro” (light) and “scuro” (dark), reflecting its focus on the interplay of illumination and shadow. It is a hallmark of fine art and cinematography, often used to evoke emotion, mystery, or intensity.

This technique relies on a single directional light source, such as a spotlight, lamp, or window, placed at an angle to the subject. This setup casts deep shadows and highlights specific areas, sculpting the subject with striking dimensionality. The surrounding areas often remain in shadow, drawing attention to the illuminated elements and creating a focused, moody atmosphere.

Chiaroscuro lighting works particularly well for portraiture, still life, and dramatic scenes. It has roots in Renaissance and Baroque art, with masters like Caravaggio and Rembrandt using it to add realism and emotional depth to their paintings. In modern photography and filmmaking, chiaroscuro is a powerful tool for storytelling, helping to convey tension, intrigue, or character depth.

Compared to softer techniques like butterfly lighting, chiaroscuro is defined by its bold use of contrast and shadow, making it ideal for creating impactful and visually striking images. Its versatility and timeless appeal have made it a staple in both classic and contemporary visual arts.

Mood Board

Originals

Coloured Gels

Whole Photoshoot

EXPLORING LIGHTING

Studio lighting refers to artificial lighting used in a controlled environment, like a photography or film studio, to illuminate a subject. It allows the photographer to manipulate light to create desired effects, emphasize particular features, and achieve consistent results regardless of ambient light conditions.

Why use studio lighting?

1. Provides total control over light intensity, direction, and quality.
2. Enables unique effects like dramatic shadows, soft highlights, or a specific mood.
3. Maintains the same lighting conditions across multiple shots or setups.
4. Helps eliminate unwanted shadows, balance highlights, or fill darker areas.

1-Point Lighting

Setup: A single light source, typically positioned at a 45-degree angle to the subject.

• Use: Creates dramatic shadows and emphasizes texture or mood.
• Drawbacks: May cause harsh shadows on the opposite side of the subject.

2-Point Lighting

Setup: Two light sources — key light and fill light.

• Use: The key light defines the main source of illumination, and the fill light softens shadows.
• Advantage: Balances the shadows while retaining some depth.

3-Point Lighting

Setup: Adds a third light (backlight) to the 2-point system.

• Key light: Primary source, highlighting the subject.
• Fill light: Reduces contrast and softens shadows.
• Backlight: Separates the subject from the background by adding a rim of light.
• Use: Widely used in portrait photography and videography for balanced, professional lighting.