Portrait lighting
Portrait lighting setups
There are five portrait lighting patterns every photographer should be able to set up in under a minute. Learn where the key light goes, what shadow it casts, and which faces each one flatters — and you can walk into any headshot, wedding, or personal-brand shoot without hesitating.
| Pattern | Key angle | Best for | Face shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loop | Key 30–45° to the side, slightly above | Everything — the safe default | Almost any |
| Rembrandt | Key 45° side, 45° above | Editorial, moody portraits | Angular cheekbones |
| Split | Key 90° to the side at eye level | Musician promos, character studies | Symmetric, angular |
| Butterfly | Key directly above the camera | Beauty, cosmetics, headshots | High cheekbones |
| Clamshell | Butterfly + fill below chin | Beauty, jewellery on model | Skin-detail work |
Rules that apply to all five
- Bigger source, softer shadow. Every pattern gets softer the larger and closer your key light is.
- Watch the eyes. If you can't see catchlights, add or raise fill until you can.
- Meter the highlight. Expose for the lit side of the face; let shadows go where they want.
- Move the subject, not the light. Small head turns change the pattern faster than moving a stand.
FAQ
What are the classic portrait lighting patterns?
Loop, Rembrandt, split, butterfly, and clamshell. Each is defined by where the key light sits relative to the subject and the shadow it casts on the face.
Which portrait lighting is most flattering?
Loop lighting flatters the widest range of face shapes and is the industry default for headshots, weddings, and personal-brand work.
Do I need multiple lights to shoot portraits?
No. Loop, Rembrandt, split, and butterfly are all one-light setups. Add a bounce card for fill and you have four looks with a single light.
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