When taking a picture, the way light falls on someone’s face can change how they look dramatically. There are a lot of different ways to deploy light that affect the tone of a portrait. Here are some common lighting setups that photographers like me use to capture stunning portraits, explained in plain terms:

1. Split Lighting: This is when the light shines on one side of the face, making half bright and the other half dark. It’s great for dramatic looks or showing texture.

2. Backlight or Rim Lighting: Imagine the sun setting behind someone, lighting up the edges of their hair and shoulders—it creates a glowing outline. This kind of lighting is fantastic for a dreamy or angelic effect.

3. Butterfly Lighting: The light comes from directly in front of the person, just above their head. It casts a little shadow under the nose that looks a bit like a butterfly. It's often used in fashion because it’s very flattering to the face.

 

4. Clamshell Lighting: This combines the butterfly light above with another light or reflector below to soften shadows, making the face look bright and smooth. It’s named for how the two light sources open up around the face like a clamshell.5. Loop Lighting: The light is slightly off to one side, creating a small shadow of the nose on the cheek. It’s a go-to lighting for most portraits because it looks good on almost everyone.

6. Rembrandt Lighting: Named after the famous painter, this setup creates a small, triangle-shaped shadow on one cheek. It gives portraits a more artistic or classical look.

7. Short Lighting: The light hits the side of the face that is turned away from the camera, which can make the face appear slimmer. It’s great for creating mood or focusing on expressions.

8. Broad Lighting: The light shines on the side of the face looking towards the camera, making the face appear broader. It’s useful for filling out faces that might look too slim otherwise.

9. Cross Lighting: This uses lights from different sides to create varied shadows and highlights, adding a lot of depth and making the picture look three-dimensional.

 

Each lighting type can change the mood of the photo and bring out the best in the subject. Margo Reed Studio specializes in using these techniques to make sure everyone looks their best in photos, whether for a family portrait, a business headshot, or a creative project.

By understanding these basic lighting setups, clients can appreciate the artistry behind their photos and feel more involved in the process. This guide aims to demystify professional photography, making it more relatable and enjoyable for everyone.

 

Here's an example of 5 types of lighting all used in one shoot.  See if you can identify each type before continuing to scroll: 

Rembrant Lighting.

Back lighting.

Butterfly Lighting.

 

Broad Lighting. 

 

Short lighting.