Which lighting pattern is used for portraits and features a triangle highlight?

Which lighting pattern is used for portraits and features a triangle highlight?

• A. Rembrandt Lighting
• B. Split Lighting
• C. Butterfly Lighting
• D. Loop Lighting

Answer: (A)

Rembrandt lighting is a classic portrait pattern that creates depth and drama by placing the key light high and to the subject’s side, so a small triangular patch of light appears on the cheek opposite the light. The triangle forms where the shadow of the nose meets the shadow on the cheek, just under the eye. This look gives the face a sculpted, painterly quality and is instantly recognizable in portraits. It differs from butterfly lighting, which produces a symmetrical butterfly-shaped shadow under the nose; loop lighting, which creates a small loop shadow under the nose; and split lighting, which leaves one side of the face in light and the other in shadow. To achieve it, position the light about 45 degrees to the subject and slightly above eye level, and use a reflector or fill to control contrast while keeping that triangle highlight intact.

Rembrandt lighting is a classic portrait pattern that creates depth and drama by placing the key light high and to the subject’s side, so a small triangular patch of light appears on the cheek opposite the light. The triangle forms where the shadow of the nose meets the shadow on the cheek, just under the eye. This look gives the face a sculpted, painterly quality and is instantly recognizable in portraits. It differs from butterfly lighting, which produces a symmetrical butterfly-shaped shadow under the nose; loop lighting, which creates a small loop shadow under the nose; and split lighting, which leaves one side of the face in light and the other in shadow. To achieve it, position the light about 45 degrees to the subject and slightly above eye level, and use a reflector or fill to control contrast while keeping that triangle highlight intact.