The Classical Portrait
The classical portrait is again a topic that would by far not fit into the small space I have right here. But let’s just talk about lighting. And you can not talk about the light setting of a classical portrait without mentioning “Rembrandt Light”.
What is “Rembrandt Light”?
Rembrandt Light is a lighting effect that was used beautifully in many Rembrandt paintings (you know the Dutch master painter). The effect is to light a person so only ¼ of their face is in shadow and there is a triangle of light under one eye. It is a universally flattering, yet dramatic light on faces. It allows for most of the face to be illuminated but with some interesting shadow detail.
How do you achieve Rembrandt Light?
Most of the time, it is the simple matter of either turning the subject’s head slightly or moving your own body so the light is coming from the right angle. It is also a matter of the height of the light. In general, if the day’s shadows are long, it is a good time of day for Rembrandt light. It doesn’t matter which direction the light is coming from, only that the triangle is present.
The triangle should be no longer than the nose and no wider than the eye. Rembrandt lighting is a combination of short and butterfly lighting- and as such it is actually the eye closest to the camera (on the broad side of the face) that should have the triangle of light.
When do you make use of it?
Most of the time it is used in studio portrait photography. With this light and shadow effect, you can achieve a lot of drama in you picture.
Even in movie making, Rembrandt Light is often made use of. Mostly in scenes with high tensions.
Or just look closely at some advert pages in international magazines (I don’t want to name them here.) for perfume, jewelry, etc…You will find the light effect there too.
I hope from now on you will be watching out for the Rembrandt Lighting or even try to create it yourself.
Na dann, gut Licht!
Your Yetunde
