Contents
Needed for this class
- Camera or cameraphone
- A window w/daylight
- A model if possible or you can take self-portraits
Portrait Lighting Styles
There are a 5 basic lighting styles for portrait photography. Each style is defined by how light falls on the face. The examples below were all shot with lights in a studio but you can replicate these patterns with window light.
- Rembrandt Light – the model is face forward, main light is at 45 degrees and casts a light on the opposite side of the face to form a triangle on the cheek.
![Rembrandt Lighting](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/pelkacomd1340ol98fall20/files/2020/07/michael-b-jordan-tgj-2017-191910.png)
2. Broad Light-model’s face in 3/4 view-light falls on the side of the face with the visible ear. Good for controlling the reflections on glasses.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/pelkacomd1340ol98fall20/files/2020/08/b26e4af2a7f9927db1ecf380d0d389f9.jpg)
3. Short Light-model’s face is in 3/4 view, the light falls on the side of the face with the features. (Not on the side with the visible ear.)
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/pelkacomd1340ol98fall20/files/2020/08/aretha_matthewJordanSmith-684x1024.png)
Both of these are examples of short light.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/pelkacomd1340ol98fall20/files/2020/08/DSC_8447_CHADWICKBOSEMAN_4-1024x576.jpg)
4. Butterfly Light, Clamshell or beauty or glamour light-model is face forward, front light.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/pelkacomd1340ol98fall20/files/2020/08/tyraBanks.jpg)
5. Split Light-model is face forward, the main light is at 90 degrees to the camera and falls on one side of the face.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/pelkacomd1340ol98fall20/files/2020/08/APRINCETONIG_10313685157.jpg)
When we shoot portraits in the studio, we can move the lights around the model. When shooting a portrait with a window, we have to ask the model to move their position in relation to the window.
This video shows how to use a window to create Rembrandt, split, broad and short light.
And while not exactly a portrait, window light is terrific for creating silhouettes.
To create a silhouette, have the subject stand close to the window and aim the camera towards the window. Set the exposure for what is outside the window so the subject is very underexposed.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/pelkacomd1340ol98fall20/files/2020/08/H0132-L48538018.jpg)
Lab Exercises
Please complete the following lab exercises, creating a post on Openlab with the category indicated to share your results.
Due:
- Window Light Portraits – Front Light
- Window Light Portraits – Rembrandt, Broad, Short and Split Light
Homework Assignment
Window Light Portrait Assignment
Due 11/23
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