3 Point Lighting Setups

Rembrandt Lighting: Named after the painter, this setup places the key light at a 45-degree angle to the subject’s face, creating a small, triangular highlight on the cheek opposite the light source. This gives a dramatic, classic look.

Loop Lighting: Similar to Rembrandt, but with a smaller shadow under the nose. The light is angled slightly above and to the side of the subject, casting a subtle shadow on one side of the face. This is a flattering look for most faces.

Butterfly Lighting: The light is placed directly in front of and above the subject, creating a shadow under the nose that resembles a butterfly. This style is often used for glamour shots and is flattering for oval faces.

Split Lighting: Light is placed at a 90-degree angle to the subject, lighting one side of the face and leaving the other in shadow. It creates a high-contrast, edgy look often used for dramatic portraits.