Head Shots & Lighting Patterns

Head shots are an important part of photography and it takes a special touch to get head shots just right. The most important thing to remember when taking head shots is the different lighting patterns which are split lighting, rembrandt lighting, loop lighting, and butterfly. These different lighting patterns are used to make the model look the most flattering.

Loop Lighting

Loop Lighting is the most typical used lighting pattern. It opens up the shadow on the face and allows for more equally distributed light. In order to get loop lighting a triangle has to be created from the light source, camera, and model at a 25 degree angle.

 

Split Lighting

Split lighting is when the light source is at a 90 degree angle from the camera, and the model. This lighting pattern shadows half of the face creating some what of a mysterious feel to the head shot.

Butterfly Lighting

The Butterfly pattern creates a shadow under the nose and chin. This pattern is used for creating a glamorous shot because it reduces wrinkles and makes one look younger. In order to get this lighting pattern the light source needs to be directly in front of the model and over the camera.