Butterfly lighting involves placing the key light at a high angle above the subject to form a shadow beneath the nose in the shape of a butterfly, hence the name. It is primarily used for glamour shots and gained popularity in 1950's Hollywood for celebrity portraits. It illuminates the face while casting shadows to define the cheekbones, causing a slimming effect. It is essential that the light is in the right position to achieve this symmetrical butterfly look.
Edge Lighting
Edge lighting, also known as split lighting, creates strong contrast on the face. The light is placed on one side at 90 degrees to the subject to highlight the face, while casting dark shadows on the opposite side. This dramatic effect splits the face in two, but can be softened with a reflector.
Rembrandt Lighting
Rembrandt lighting is inspired by the style of the artist Rembrandt in his portrait paintings. Like edge lighting, it uses harsh lighting on one side of the face while leaving the other in shadow. However, on the shadowed side a triangle of light is left beneath the eye next to the nose. This technique is considerably difficult to execute and requires two lights or one light and a reflector. The key light is very bright, while the secondary one is only used to half-light the face.
