Kreative Lighting - Split Lighting

ABOUT:

Split Lighting Setup for this portrait. Split lighting at its most basic level is constructed with a single light source placed 90 degrees offset from the subject and a bit higher than eye level, lighting one half of the face, and leaving the other in shadow.

The thing that distinguishes Split Lighting from Short or Broad lighting is the placement of the subject’s head- Split Lighting is usually taken with the subject facing square to the camera.

SETUP:

Light is next to the model at 90-degree angle.

MY TAKE ON THIS SET UP:

• Simple to set up,
• This creates more drama,
• Usually applied to men, and
• Create a sense of intrigue.

SAMPLES:

Collection of portrait pictures using Split Lighting set up from various photographers.

Split Lighting Portrait Samples

REFERENCES

• Click it up a notch
• Digital Photo Secrets

Kreative Lighting - Clamshell Lighting

ABOUT:

Clamshell Lighting uses two opposing light source. One from above at an angle of 45 degrees towards the model and the other one from below again at 45 degrees towards the model. Top light is the key light and the lower one is a fill light. If top light is set at 100% power then the bottom one will be set at 40% or lower.

SETUP:

Fill light should not be overpowering the key light.

Lower light is a fill light and is at 40% of its full power.

Upper light is a fill light and is at its full power.

MY TAKE ON THIS SET UP:

1. Simple to set up.

2. This light set up flatters practically any face.

3. Great for headshots.

SAMPLES:

Collection of portrait pictures using  Clamshell Lighting set up from various photographers.

Clamshell Lighting Portrait Samples.

References:

PictureCorrect

KelbyOne

Kreative Lighting - Butterfly Lighting

ABOUT:

Butterfly lighting consists of a sole light aimed straight at the subject and raised high enough to create a downward shadow on the subject. This causes a butterfly shadow to appear directly under the subject's nose.

SET UP:

Here the shadow of the nose is directly under Mr. Kay's nose. Mr. Kay is facing directly towards the camera, the light is above camera pointing straight towards Mr. Kay's face.

The height of the light dictates the length of the shadow. I prefer shadow not to cross halfway distance between nose and lips.

MY TAKE ON THIS SETUP

1. Butterfly lighting accentuates cheekbones and jawlines. 

2. I do not find this lighting flattery on the weathered face.

3. I use this lighting on a young model with clear skin.

4. I avoid this lighting on a model with an oval face.

5. Use a reflector to fill in shadow under the chin.

SAMPLES

Collection of portrait pictures using  Butterfly Lighting set up from various photographers.

Butterfly Lighting Portrait Samples.

References
Picture Correct
Digital Photo
Improve Photography
Photography by Neilvan Niekerk