Enlightening Lighting

Lighting can be used to convey mood - it can completely alter the tone of a photograph. The angle at which a light is applied, the scope and color of light, and the focus of light all play important roles in the way in which a photograph is perceived. For example, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the light of the face of Lucius Malfoy is concentrated on his eyes, while the rest of his face is in shadow. This gives him a very sinister look.

There are many common types of lighting in portraits.

The first of these is loop lighting. Loop lighting is very similar to the lighting used in school portraits. The flash or light source is located above the subject, slightly off to one side. The result is a sense of natural depth. The picture will not seem fake or manufactured. The light creates a shadow below and to the left of the nose in the shape of a loop.

The second type of lighting is butterfly lighting. For this, think 1930s glamor. It is a very dramatic and bold look in which the light source is located above, but in line with, the face. The shadow cast by the nose is directly underneath it (and is shaped [arguably] like a butterfly). The cheekbones are high and there is a shadow below them, almost like contouring with light instead of bronzer and highlight.

Split lighting is the final type of lighting. The light source is located off to one side of the face, leaving one half illuminated, but the other half in shadow. It is very dramatic; bold, but not glamorous per se.

Frank Sinatra and Loop Lighting. Very natural, yet sophisticated. Not too showy.

Carol Morris and Butterfly Lighting. Quintessential 1930s. Is it outdated? Perhaps the romantic filter, but certainly not those cheekbones. Vogue, vogue, vogue. Notice the petite shadow under the nose. Very bold and showy. Watch when you use this; try not to look manufactured. Although the camera is not head on, the light is directly in front of the face.

Diana, photographed by Sara. A great example of split lighting. Very bold and dramatic. Excellent art, but perhaps not the best lighting for something formal.