ITC Photography - Studio Lighting

ITC Digital Photography - 5 Types of Studio Lighting:

Overview: There are many options that a photographer can use to light a model/subject's face/body. We will explore 5 classical types of studio lighting: the Rembrandt, the split lighting, flat lighting, the paramount / butterfly lighting, and the loop lighting.

Rembrandt: To set up a Rembrandt lighting set up, first place a key light at about 45 degrees from your subject and slightly above the subject’s head. As the subject faces the camera, if you position the light at the right angle, you should see the small triangle of light on the opposite side of the subject’s face. Make sure the triangle of light is not too big and doesn’t pass the length and width of the eye and nose. If it does, adjust the light accordingly. 

Photo by Jeffrey Newell

Split Lighting: Split lighting is similar to Rembrandt type of lighting but even more dramatic. Another term used for this type of lighting is “side lighting”, used a lot in film noir cinematography. To achieve this look, just place your main light all the way to the side of your subject. The image will have one side well lit and the opposite in shadow. Then it’s up to you how much you want to add detail to the shadows. Just place a second light to the opposite side of lit area of the subject’s face and adjust the distance.

Photo by Jeffrey Newell

Flat Lighting: Flat Lighting is accomplished by putting both your designated key and fill lights at 45 degrees on either side of the subject and powering them so that each meters the same. No shadows will appear on the subject’s face.

Photo by Jeffrey Newell

Paramount / Butterfly Lighting: The reason this type of lighting is called “Paramount Lighting” is because it was popular back in the 1930s in Hollywood. And the reason it is called “Butterfly light” is because the light is positioned right in front the subject but at a steep angle facing down, therefore creating a shadow right underneath the subject’s nose that resembles a butterfly. The recommended angle is usually between 25 and 70 degrees. It is considered a beauty lighting set up, mostly for women, and also it works best with people with pronounced cheekbones and a lean figure as slight shadows are created right below the cheekbones. Also remember you may position a bounce board below the subject as a fill. This will give a beautiful glow to the subject’s face.

Photo by Jeffrey Newell

Loop Lighting: The loop light style is just a slight variation from the butterfly light. All you have to do is move the light to one side, usually to the right of the camera, but still have it at a high angle. This style, because of the shadows it creates, gives a sense of depth that other styles don’t have. The reason is called looped lighting is because of the shadow that is created under and to the side of the nose that is loop-shaped. Add a back light to add to the depth.