Named after the Dutch master painter Rembrandt van Rijn, this lighting technique is one of the most iconic and dramatic setups in portrait photography. Characterized by a small, illuminated triangle under the eye on the shadowed side of the face, it creates a sense of depth, mystery, and artistic gravity.
The Anatomy of the Triangle
At its core, Rembrandt lighting is a form of "short lighting," meaning the side of the face turned away from the camera is the one that is illuminated. However, unlike standard short lighting, Rembrandt lighting requires a specific interaction between the key light and the subject's facial structure (specifically the nose and brow bone) to create that signature triangle of light on the cheek.
To achieve this, the light source must be placed high and to the side of the subject, typically at a 45-degree angle. The nose casts a shadow that connects with the shadow of the cheek, leaving only that small patch of light.
Why Use It?
- Drama & Mood: It instantly adds a cinematic, moody feel to an image.
- Slimming Effect: Because large portions of the face are in shadow, it can have a slimming effect on rounder faces.
- Texture & Depth: The side lighting emphasizes skin texture and facial features, making it popular for male portraits, though it is equally stunning for female subjects when used with softer modifiers.
The Setup: Step-by-Step
You don't need expensive gear to achieve this look. A single window or a basic speedlight can work wonders. Here is the standard studio setup:
- Position Your Subject: Have your subject face slightly away from the camera.
- Place the Key Light: Position your light source at approximately 45 degrees to the side of the subject and 45 degrees above their eye line.
- Adjust for the Triangle: Ask the subject to turn their head slowly towards the light until the shadow of their nose connects with the shadow on their cheek. If the triangle is too large, move the light further to the side. If it disappears, bring the light closer to the camera axis.
- Fill Light (Optional): Rembrandt lighting is high contrast by nature. If the shadows are too deep (blocked up blacks), use a reflector or a dim fill light on the opposite side to bring back some detail without destroying the mood.
Pro Tip: Catchlights
Ensure that you have a catchlight (a reflection of the light source) in both eyes. Without it, the eyes can look dead or hollow. The catchlight should ideally be at the 10 o'clock or 2 o'clock position.
Common Mistakes
Light Too Low: If the light is too low, the shadow of the nose will not extend far enough down to connect with the cheek shadow, resulting in "Loop Lighting" instead.
Subject Facing Too Far Forward: If the subject looks straight at the camera, the lighting will look flat on one side and dark on the other (Split Lighting) rather than creating the dimensional triangle.
Conclusion
Rembrandt lighting is a timeless technique that every photographer should have in their arsenal. It teaches you to see light not just as illumination, but as a sculpting tool. Experiment with hard light (bare bulb) for a gritty look, or soft light (large softbox) for a painterly, ethereal quality.