Learn how artists in the past have used these patterns to their advantage—and adapted them to their needs.
Your lighting pattern won’t only change based on your subject but also the mood and intention of the photoshoot; if your goal is to convey mystery, split-lighting might work, while a glamor shot might be better suited to butterfly lighting. Train your eye by studying pictures you love, from paintings in a museum to portraits on 500px. Learn how artists in the past have used these patterns to their advantage—and adapted them to their needs.