2. Pertemuan 04 Basic Lighting Patterns for Portraiture
Matakuliah : fotografi 2
Tahun : 2010
Pertemuan 04 Basic Lighting Patterns for Portraiture

3. The 4 Basic Lighting Patterns
- The Paramount / Butterfly Pattern
- The Loop Pattern
- The Rembrandt Pattern
- The Split Pattern
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4. Characteristic of Paramount Lighting
Main light position :
0 degrees front of the model positioned higher that the
model’s face at least 30 degrees
Shadow criteria :
Straight shadow under the nose, forming a half butterfly
shape
Effects on the face :
The lighting pattern will tend to broaden the face causing the face
structure to be full in volume, suits thin build face structure
Texture details :
Minimum texture is obtained due to the shadow that falls behind the
model
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5. Paramount / Butterfly Lighting
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6. Bina Nusantara University

7. Characteristic of Loop Lighting
Main light position :
30 degrees to the side of the model positioned slightly higher than
The model’s face at about 15 degrees
Shadow criteria :
Formed shadow on the side of the nose, resembling an arch or a loop
shape
Effects on the face :
Depending on short or broad lighting that is used, this lighting
pattern could cause shadow to cover some parts of the face causing
less volume.
Texture details :
A little texture is visible as the side lighting will create shadow areas
On uneven surfaces.
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8. Loop Lighting Example
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9. Characteristic of Rembrandt Lighting
Main light position :
45 degrees to the side of the model positioned slightly higher than
The model’s face at about 15 – 20 degrees
Shadow criteria :
Formed shadow on the side of the face, creating a triangle shape on
one side of the model’s cheek
Effects on the face :
This lighting will cause the model to have a narrow face as this
lighting will cover almost half of the face in shadow areas.
Texture details :
This side light will create more apparent textures. Especially on
uneven surfaces that is illuminated by this main light.
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10. Rembrandt Lighting Example
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11. Characteristic of Split Lighting
Main light position :
90 degrees to the side of the model and positioned on the same
plane of the model’s face at about 0 – 5 degrees
Shadow criteria :
Formed shadow on the side of the face, covering one side of the face
completely. This lighting is also known as the Yin Yang lighting,
especially among Chinese photographers
Effects on the face :
This lighting will cause the model to have a even narrower face than
the Rembrandt. This lighting covers half of the face in shadow areas.
Texture details :
Textures will appear very apparent in comparison to the other 3
lighting pattern.
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12. Split Lighting Pattern Example
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