The main light casts the shadows.

The fill light brightens the shadows.

Set up and shoot a series of portraits, using two light sources and the lighting patterns below.

You can use:

  • two clamp lights.
  • one light and a window
  • one light and a white wall or white piece of posterboard

The light from a clamp light can be very harsh. Try covering it with tracing paper to diffuse it.

For Rembrandt Light, the model looks forward, directly at the camera. The main light is at 45 degrees from the subject. The fill “light” (or window or white surface) should be on the other side also at 45 degrees.

For Butterfly Light, the model looks forward towards the camera. The main light aims towards the model from above the camera position.

For Split Light, the model looks forward towards the camera. The main light is on one side of the model at 90 degrees. Put the fill light on the opposite side.

For Broad Light, the model is in 3/4 view. The main light is at 45 degrees on the side with the visible ear. the fill goes on the other side.

For Short Light, the model is in 3/4 view. The main light is on the side of the model’s face with their features. It can be at 45 degrees or it can be behind the model.

Upload images to flickr

Post your best result for each lighting style in a gallery on OpenLab. Write a short statement about how using fill adds to the portrait. Which lighting style gave you the best results? Which was most difficult to make work?

Post to lab11 portraits in student posts