5 Easy Portrait Lighting Setups

May 2024 · 3 minute read

2. Butterfly lighting

Butterfly lighting, also known as Paramount lighting, gets its name from the butterfly-shaped shadow created under the subject’s nose. You achieve this by placing a light source behind the camera and above the subject’s head. You, the photographer, then work under the light source. Sometimes it may be necessary to position a reflector under the subject’s chin, depending on their facial structure.

Additionally, keep in mind that the height of the light source will affect the length of the shadows — a taller light source makes a longer shadow on the subject’s face. If your subject turns their head slightly in one direction, you’ll get a more dramatic shadow under the cheekbones.

This is one of the best portrait lighting setups for someone with high cheekbones or a thin face. Someone with a rounder face might be less flattered in this light, though. This is also a good lighting setup for older subjects, as it emphasizes wrinkles less when compared to side lighting.

3. Split lighting

Just as the name implies, the split portrait lighting setup cuts a person’s face into equal halves. With this setup, one side is lit while the other is in shadow. This is a more dramatic portrait lighting setup, and it’s less common than other styles. However, if you need a lighting setup that creates drama and stands out, this is a good one to try.

The split lighting setup is, fortunately, very easy. To achieve it, place your light source 90 degrees to the right or left of your subject’s face. The exact placement and height of the light will vary based on your subject’s face, so feel free to experiment. Observe how the light falls across the face in test shots and adjust your light source accordingly.

Split lighting highlights the texture of a subject’s face, so it may not be as flattering as other setups. This is especially true for subjects who are elderly, as split lighting will call a lot of attention to skin wrinkles. This may not be an effect you’re after, so keep this in mind when choosing this setup.

4. Loop lighting

The loop lighting technique creates a small shadow with the subject’s nose and cheek. In true loop lighting, the nose and cheek shadows don’t touch. This setup tends to have a lengthening effect on the subject’s face and is also great for acting headshots. It’s similar to butterfly lighting, except the light is set up further to the side.

In order to achieve this lighting style, you need to raise your light source slightly higher than your subject. In fact, you typically position it behind them. Immediately in front of the light, and at a 30- to 45-degree angle from the subject, place a reflector.

The reflector must also be slightly above the eye level of the subject. This is one of the few portrait lighting setups that also works using sunlight, with your subject facing away from the sun. The light gets caught by the reflector and then bounces off the subject’s face.

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