Lighting setup
Split lighting
Split lighting is the cinematic one-light setup: key placed 90° to the side at eye level, lighting one half of the face perfectly and leaving the other in near-total shadow. It's the fastest way to add gravity to a portrait — and the easiest to overdo.
Setup
- Place the key at 90°. Softbox or strip light directly beside the subject at eye level, 1–1.5m away.
- Square the subject. Ask them to face the camera dead-on so the light falls cleanly down the centre of the face.
- Kill spill. Flag the light or move it further from the subject so the shadow side stays clean.
- Expose for the lit side. ISO 100–400, f/4–f/5.6, 1/125–1/200.
When to use it
Editorial, musician promos, character studies, moody personal-brand work. Pair with dark backgrounds for maximum drama; skip for children, weddings, or anything commercial and cheerful.
FAQ
What is split lighting?
A portrait pattern with the key light placed 90° to the side of the subject at eye level, lighting exactly one half of the face and leaving the other in shadow.
Is split lighting flattering?
It's dramatic, not soft. Best on angular, symmetrical faces or when you want a moody, cinematic feel. Skip for beauty work — it exaggerates skin texture on the shadow side.
Do I need a fill light?
Usually not. If the shadow is too dark for the mood, add a small bounce on the shadow side — but keep it 3+ stops down or you'll ruin the split.
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