Studio Lighting Set-Ups

Butterfly Lighting



Butterfly lighting highlights the majority of the subjects face; it is seen a 'glamourous' and was popular in 1930s Hollywood. This set up is called the 'butterfly' because of the butterfly shape shadow that is cast under the subjects nose. This effect is created by the key light being positioned in a high angle above the subject.

Edge/Split Lighting

Edge lighting uses hard lighting to cast shadows over the subject's face to obscure it slightly. Edge lighting requires little light to highlight the subject as it creates distinct contrast between the light and shade because half of the subject is illuminated while the other half is shadowed.

Rembrandt Lighting

Rembrandt lighting takes more experimenting with the positions in order for the light to fall just right on the subjects face to execute the perfect example of Rembrandt lighting. Rembrandt lighting is easily recognised by the illuminated triangle under the subject's eye on the side of the face that is opposite to the light source.