Lighting Patterns

SPLIT LIGHTING. Model: Lenore Quibael

THERE ARE several lighting patterns that you can use to create an interesting photograph. Here are the 4 basic light patterns that are essential for every photographer to know.

1. SPLIT LIGHTING

Split Lighting -- as the name suggests -- splits the face in halves, one in the light and one in the shadow. This creates a really dramatic effect. This is applicable, but not exclusively, to men. To achieve such look, a light is placed 90 degrees to the left or right of the subject.

Other variations include SHORT and BROAD lighting.

2. LOOP LIGHTING

In Loop lighting, a shadow of the nose is cast on the subjects' cheek.

3. BUTTERFLY/GLAMOUR

BUTTERFLY LIGHTING. Model: Angelica Fandialan

Butterfly lighting is achieved by placing the light directly above and behind the camera. This creates a 'butterfly' shadow under the nose. It also creates shadows under the cheeks. This is often used for glamour shots.

4. REMBRANDT LIGHTING

Rembrandt Lighting is characterized by one thing: a triangle on the subject's cheek. This was taken from Rembrandt's various portraits, which displays the same pattern. This lighting pattern often creates a dignified look. It is also applicable for subjects with high cheekbones. 

REMBRANDT.

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