Portrait Photography – Lighting Techniques

Portrait photography is technique by using which the personality of the subject is captured with effective lighting, backdrops, and poses. Here let us see some lighting techniques to be used in Portrait Photography.

  • Split Lighting
  • Loop Lighting
  • Rembrandt lighting
  • Butterfly lighting

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Split Lighting:

Split Lighting is the one which produces a sense of drama to a portrait. By using this type of lighting, you will get the half of the subjects face with light and the other half to look dark. In the split lighting method, the light is evenly divided over the subject.

Loop Lighting:

Loop Lighting is very simple and also it suits almost all type of subjects. The name ‘loop’ in this method comes from the appearance of the shadow which is created by this type of lighting under the subject’s nose, shaped like a loop. As it suits all types of subjects, it the most popular lighting technique.

Rembrandt lighting:

Rembrandt lighting is a lighting technique that is mostly used in studio portrait photography. Rembrandt lighting can be achieved by using one light and a reflector or by using two lights also. Rembrandt lighting is popular because it is capable of producing images which appear both natural and compelling with a minimum of equipment.

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Butterfly lighting:

Butterfly lighting is the oldest technique used for lighting a subject. The name butterfly lighting came from the butterfly-shaped shadow which forms under the subject’s nose. This type of lighting setup is a proven method to ensure your subject is looking in a pleasing manner.

Thus when it comes to the portrait photography, these are the most popular lighting techniques which everyone can try to get the best out of it. In Photography, lighting is the important factor which will decide the quality of the end result.