4 Classic Patterns Explained

Summary

This guide explains four classic portrait lighting patterns: butterfly, split, loop, and Rembrandt. It details the differences between broad and short lighting, noting short lighting is more universally flattering in modern portraiture. The text also compares softbox and hard reflector modifiers, emphasizing that larger, closer softboxes create softer light. Each of the four patterns is described, including butterfly (Paramount) lighting's shadow under the nose, split lighting's dramatic half-face illumination, loop lighting's subtle nose shadow, and Rembrandt lighting's challenging cheek triangle.

Key points

• Four classic portrait lighting patterns: butterfly, split, loop, and Rembrandt.
• Short lighting is generally more flattering than broad lighting for portraits.
• Softboxes create softer, more flattering light than hard reflectors.
• Achieving Rembrandt lighting requires precise adjustments for a distinct cheek triangle.