Five, Basic light set ups

I found these light illustrations on sekonic.com, they are very similar to the set up we used for our shoots apart from the fill light and the hair light. Ok so that would mean they are quite a lot different from what we used but i would argue its better to have a little more in the bag to go to later. After all the KEY light is the one we are most concerned with  and this does show it in 5 different positions. Also shown are  the camera (and possible extra light) positions.

The lights were moved around a lot during our studio time as i found not every type of set up worked with every subject. It seemed to become more about trying to create a mood with the light rather than capturing the personality of the subject.

Also worth knowing that these cover the whole area that could be used and I found I used mostly between the Butterfly and Loop set ups but just moved slightly for the subject size and posture. Missing from the drawings are the large black polystyrene boards that were placed each side of the subject to absorb reflected light,I used them on every shoot. 

Paramount/Butterfly Lighting

With the key light shining straight down on the subjects face,this casts a small shadow underneath the nose and a larger one under the chin if no fill light is used. Quite a complimentary lighting set up if your going for that kind of look. 

Loop Lighting

The light is lower down than before and offset to one side slightly to highlight one side of the face slightly more than the other. Good to bring out feature and gives a slight profile of shadow down the far side of the nose and cheek.

Rembrandt Lighting

Quite similar to the loop setup only harsher,or stronger if you like. Used to create a more dramatic look to the portrait and as the name suggests will give a similar look used in portrait painting techniques. Should provide a large shadow for much of the nose and face with a small triangle of light on the far cheek.I think it works best with the rest of the subject is quite dark,not so much for me when lit up.

Split Lighting

I only tried this a couple of times as it seems to be very severe and as such only lends itself in my eyes to such a portrait. If all else had failed (or you had what you were after and experimenting!) to get the shot i was looking for then It could be something to look at. Splits the face in half without a fill light making for high drama more suited to an atmospheric fashion shoot.

Profile Lighting

I purposely stayed away from using this too much too,not that i dont like it as i do. I think i will be revisiting a set up like this soon for another project I have in mind only minus the back light. This changes the dynamics of the subject hugely and veered too far away from the brief to be used here.