Types of Lighting

There are some standard techniques for lighting for portrait photography. There are the basic descriptions, but every photographer will make adjustments based on the intentions and circumstances of the shoot and their own judgement. Back lighting, which can be a lighting technique in itself, is sometimes combined with other techniques. Here is a quick run down of the standard techniques:

1. Loop Lighting
   
   This one of the most popular techniques for soft portrait lighting. The light source is about 45 degrees to the front of the subject. Start at eye level, but you may want to raise it or lower it according to the circumstances. It gives a soft even and balanced illumination with softer shadows on the side of the face away from the light source. A reflector on the side opposite the light source can soften the shadows further.

2. Rembrandt Lighting
   
   Similar to loop lighting, the source is maybe 60 degrees to the subject but definitely above their eye line and angled downwards a little. It is named after the Dutch master painter who painted with this style of light. The classic hallmark is that there will be a little triangle of light on the cheek farthest from the light source, under the eye. The triangle is formed by the shadow cast from the nose, joining the shadow of the far cheek down towards the corner of the mouth.
   
   A reflector on the opposite side can be used to soften the effect if needed.

3. Split Lighting
   
   A technique of using a strong light to split the face so one half is in shadow and the other is strongly lit. Great for high drama or mystery. The light source is about 90 degrees to the subject. Stronger light or light closer to the subject can create deeper shadows on the dark side of the face.

4. Butterfly Lighting
   
   A technique of using a strong light, but diffused, directly in line with the camera above the eye line of the subject. It will create a butterfly-like shadow under the nose and give soft shadows under the cheeks and chin. It is probably the classic 50's Hollywood move star portrait lighting. It's great for subjects with distinctive cheekbones and slimmer faces.

5. Clam Shell Lighting
   
   Use a butterfly lighting setup, but add a soft light below the subjects face. It creates an overall softer effect which is very flattering.

6. Back Lighting
   
   Finally there is back lighting, where the light source is behind the subject creating a rim or edge of light around the the subject. At its extreme it can create a silhouette. Applied more gently it can create a defined edge around the subject. When used in conjunction with one of the other lighting styles it can make sure that the subject stands out from the background.

   Finally....

   There are two broad categories of lighting. One which concentrates on the lit side of the subject (broad lighting) and one which concentrates on the shadow side of the subject (short lighting).
   
   Broad lighting is achieved by angling the subject, usually the face, away from the light source, but photographing the part of the face most exposed to the light. This creates depth to a narrower face.
   
   Short lighting is achieved by angling the face towards the light source, but photographing the part of the face mostly on the shadow side. It creates a slimmer look.