Broad lighting is an overall term that describes where the position of the light is in regards to the side of the face closest to the camera. It is called broad lighting because the ‘broader’ side of the face is the side which is more lit. Broad lighting can be utilised in different patterns (rembrandt, loop, and split).
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# The Different Types of Portrait Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of photography. For portraiture, there are a few types of lighting that are popular, and knowing what type of lighting you like is a great start. Below, let’s look at some examples of different portraiture lighting, and some of the terms used to describe them. A professional photographer should be trained in manipulating lighting to achieve something that not only creates mood, but suits your look precisely. You can see varied lighting across my portfolio.

## Broad:

Broad lighting is an overall term that describes where the position of the light is in regards to the side of the face closest to the camera. It is called broad lighting because the ‘broader’ side of the face is the side which is more lit. Broad lighting can be utilised in different patterns (rembrandt, loop, and split).

A captivating actor headshot of mature melbourne actress Angela, who leans in towards the camera with a very slight smile.

Melbourne actor Pete has a confident pose in studio for an actor headshot update.

headshot of melbourne dancer and performer with a serious expression.

## Short:

Opposed to broad, short lighting describes when the light is hitting the ‘shorter’ side of the face – which is further away from the camera. Short lighting can be utilised in different patterns (rembrandt, loop, and split).

Man looks over his shoulder in serious actor headshot.



Melbourne headshot of woman in black and white

## Butterfly Lighting:

Butterfly lighting is a popular lighting technique for headshots, beauty and fashion. It has been popular within historical Hollywood glamour photography, but still remains as one of the most used techniques today. The name butterfly lighting refers to the shadow underneath the nose, which is considered to be ‘butterfly shaped’.

You will also notice the catchlights in the eyes, which can really bring a sparkle to the shot. It is a great way to bring symmetry to the face, and to enhance cheek and bone structure.

Actor headshot of Melbourne woman looks directly to camera with her hand under her chin.

Melbourne actor and comedian pete in a headshot update. He leans right in to camera with a quirky smile, wearing a blue jacket on an orange background.

Melbourne woman smiles confidently to camera, wearing a grey blazer and patterned glasses for a relaxed but professional linkedin headshot.

## Rembrandt Lighting:

Named after the painting style of the painter himself, Rembrandt. This lighting connects the shadow from the nose to that on the cheek. This gives a triangle highlight on one of the cheeks, and maintaining light in both eyes too.

Teen model stands on navy background in Melbourne studio posing to the camera in a full length image. She wears a white floral dress and looks at the camera with a serious expression while wind blows her hair.

Melbourne model portrait taken on a dark studio background with edgy lighting. he looks directly to camera while leaning on his knees in a seated position.

Melbourne actor with serious expression for a studio actor headshot

## Split Lighting:

Split lighting is a simple technique where one side of the face is lit, and this light does not hit the other side of the face. This generally splits the face in half by light. In these two examples, you can see one side of the face is brighter than the other. The ‘darker’ side is still bright, as split lighting does not necessarily mean one side must be in complete shadow.

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Actor headshot of young woman in a studio environment with dramatic lighting. One half of her face is in shadow.

Melbourne actor headshot of Ben Pfeiffer in a studio setting on a dark background

## Loop Lighting:

This lighting technique has a small shadow from the nose on one side of the face. Unlike rembrandt lighting, this shadow does not link up with the other side of the face.

A serious actor headshot taken in studio of melbourne actress. She wears a black tshirt and there is a dark grey background behind her.

Personal branding portrait of Melbourne fashion designer taken in studio.

Studio actor headshot of melbourne actress with a serious expression

JULIA NANCE PORTRAITS | 2024