Lighting in Film

Edge/Split Lighting:

Edge/Split lighting is a specific lighting technique that has the intention to create a more dramatic shadow in portraits. The light source would be positioned at an angle or from one side of the subject. It defines and separates one side of the face from the other using shadows. This lighting technique can change an ordianary photo into a dramatic meaningful photo. When trying to create split screen, you could also accidentally create a lighting technique called 'catchlight'. This lighting technique is when the light contained in the shadow side of your subject, usually the eyes of the subject.

Spilt/Edge lighting would typically be used for:

• Making a broad/wider face look slimmer.
• Commercial Photography. 
• Different types of themed portraiture photos.
• Fashion photography.
• Or whenever trying to achieve a dramatic look/effect when shooting in general.

Referencing:

West, 4. (2017, February 15). Adorama. Retrieved from Adorama Website: https://www.adorama.com/alc/faq-what-is-split-lighting

Rembrandt Lighting:

Rembrandt Lighting is a lighting technique which illuminates a triangle underneath the subjects eye, the one with less light on that side of the face. It is named after the Dutch painter Rembrandt, who occasionally used this lighting technique. Rembrandt lighting is used because it allows you to experiment and play around with lights. Rembrandt himself used tis technique in his painting because he could use a sharp contracts between light and dark. 

The use of the light triangle under the eyes give the image a sense of mystery. Rembrandt lighting can be used on both female and male models, suiting them both. These images also look very effective if they're edited in black and white.

Referencing:

Minoia, Expert Photography, Retrieved from Expert Photography: https://expertphotography.com/rembrandt-lighting-photography/

Butterfly Lighting:

The butterfly lighting technique that uses key light at a higher angle from the subject to cast down a butterfly type shadow on the subject. This lighting technique was used more frequently in the 1950s for film stars as it was seen as a more glamour look because the shadows framed the face better, giving a more defined look. This technique is ideal for portraits as it highlights the subjects main features, like the nose and cheekbones. it then creates shadows on the face under the nose and chin. Making the subjects face appear slimmer/more chiselled.

 

Referencing:

Robert, N. Expert Photography. Retrieved from Expert Photography: https://expertphotography.com/butterfly-lighting-portraits/