Lighting setup

Rembrandt lighting

Rembrandt lighting is the classic one-light portrait pattern: a single key light placed 45° to the side and 45° above the subject, producing a small triangle of light on the shadow-side cheek. It flatters most faces, needs one light, and is the fastest dramatic look you can set up.

Setup — step by step

1. Place the key. One soft light (softbox, umbrella, or window) 45° to the side and 45° above eye level, about 1.5m from the subject.
2. Find the triangle. Ask the subject to rotate their nose toward the light in small increments until the triangle on the shadow cheek appears — bounded above by the cheekbone, below by the nose shadow.
3. Add fill only if needed. A white bounce card at chest height on the shadow side lifts the darkest values without killing the mood.
4. Expose for the highlight. ISO 100–400, f/2.8–f/5.6, 1/125–1/200. Watch the lit cheek, not the shadow.

Gear

• One light source — 60cm+ softbox, 40" umbrella, or a north-facing window
• Bounce card (white foam board is fine)
• 85mm equivalent lens for headshots, 50mm for half-body

When to use it

Editorial headshots, moody portraits, personal-brand shoots where you want gravity, and any subject with defined cheekbones. Avoid on very round or very heavy faces — the shadow can add years.

FAQ