Imagine a clock with the camera positioned at 6, facing 12, and the subject standing right in the middle.
Let’s explore nine different lighting patterns and how they can be used effectively. Imagine a clock with the camera positioned at 6, facing 12, and the subject standing right in the middle. The hours around the face will represent different positions for our light sources. The source could be a flash, the sun, reflected light—however the light is created. Knowing these lighting patterns gives you a repertoire of techniques to choose from. Employ them thoughtfully, with consideration for the unique characteristics of your subject, the desired mood, and the overall creative vision for your project. One more thing to consider is that these names relate to the relationship between the subject and the light, and it generally doesn’t matter where you stand to take the photos, so long as the lights don’t move and the subject’s head is still oriented toward 6 o’clock. In the end, what’s being described is where the shadows fall.