Lighting is very important to learn and master over time. Here are a couple other helpful techniques.

Portrait photography is one of the most artistic forms of photography as a result of the many different choices of lighting techniques. There are three common techniques that are popular among photographers and include split light, Rembrandt light and broad light. If you are looking to diversify your results than you should obtain some portrait photography lighting tips so you can create portraits that both you and your subjects will love.

2) Split lighting is used to obtain a shadow effect, which shadows half of the subject’s face. This leaves half of the face dark and the other half of the face light. To obtain this effect you will have to use the split light technique. You must first get your subject to sit down on a stool and look straight into the camera without turning their head. Once they are seated and positioned looking straight into the camera you need to set up your light. Place the light at a 90-degree angle from the subject and just a little bit above the subject’s eye level. Adjust the light so half of the face is lit and the other half is shadowed. Since your subject is looking straight on, it should be easy to divide the face in half using their nose as the center. Half of the nose should be lit and the other half should be shadowed.

3) Rembrandt lighting is used to obtain a light with a shadow effect. This effect is when half of the face is light and the other half is dark with a light triangle shadow in the middle of the subject’s face. This shadow looks like a patch of light. A Rembrandt light setup consists of a light and a reflector. Place the light at a 45-degree angle from the subject’s face and raise it slightly above their head. Angle the reflector towards the other side of the subject’s face so it faces the light. Place the camera between the light and the reflector and facing the subject. Take a few photos and adjust the reflector as needed.



A broad light is used to obtain a fuller face effect in portrait photography or to reduce wrinkles. People will often say that the camera added ten pounds to them. This technique consists of a light and a reflector. Place your subject on a stool and angle them slightly so the side of their face is looking at the camera. Place the light on the side of the face that is facing the camera and aim it directly at their face. Place the reflector on the opposite side of the face. Most of the face should be lit up. This technique will give a chubbier effect to the face. You should not use this technique for larger people or for people with round faces.



Each of these portrait photography lighting tips will provide different results and they will each be unique in themselves.