Light is the most basic and essential element in photography, and good lighting can significantly improve the quality of a picture. The appropriate lighting is the key to most typical indoor portrait photography. This article will introduce 6 kinds of lighting for you.

1. Split Lighting



Split lighting is to use light to divide the face into two halves, half light and half shadow, which will create a strong dramatic sense. It is often used in photography for people with unique characteristics, such as portraits of musicians or artists, etc., of course, this effect will appear more masculine.
To create this effect, you have to place the light at 90 degrees to the left or right of the subject, and move it slightly forward or back according to different facial outlines. It should be noted that the light should follow the direction of the face of the subject, and when the head is turned, the light should also turn together.

2. Loop Lighting

 


The Loop Lighting is to make the nose cast some shadow shading on the cheek. To make this effect, you have to place the light source slightly higher than the eye and at a 30-40 degree angle to the camera.

3. Rembrandt Lighting


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



Unlike the Loop Lighting, the nose is connected to the shadow of the cheek in Rembrandt's light. But more importantly, the eye on the side of the shadow is still bright, which makes the photo more dramatic.

When shooting, the model should turn her face slightly away from the light, and the light source should be higher than her head, so that the shadow of her nose is connected to the shadow of her cheek. It's not for everyone.  Rembrandt Lighting is suitable for those who have bigger cheekbones but not for those who have flat nose. So lighting should be set according to different subject.

4. Butterfly Lighting


Butterfly Lighting gets its name from the symmetric butterfly-shaped shadow below the nose. By placing the light source directly above the camera, the shadow of the and it creates a shadow of the cheeks and chin on the face of the model, thus accentuating the cheekbones and making the face look thinner and the chin sharper to enhance the model's appeal. Sometimes the model holds the reflector in his own hands to supplement the light.

5. Broad Lighting



Broad Lighting is not a specific light setting but a style that can be used for  Split Lighting, Loop Lighting and Rembrandt Lighting. Broad Lighting is the to turn the light side to the lens, so the light face will look wider and then the face as a whole looks larger and wider. Broad Lighting is suitable for the people with thin face.

6. Short Lighting



Short Lighting is is the opposite of Broad Lighting. The model's face is turned towards the camera then the face will look thinner.

You can try some different lighting and don't worry too much about the texture of the light cause the important thing is to learn these techniques. Of course, the first step is to learn to observe the facial features of the models, understand their requirements and create beautiful pictures with the right mood and atmosphere.
Also, you have to pay attention to the light source. If you have the artificial light, you can move it around easily and shoot anytime and anywhere, here we recommend one  fine goods for you and hope it would be helpful for your creative works.

Ring Light with Tripod Stand and Phone Holder, 14Inch

Features: 
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