Skip to content

Hello fellow photographers! Today I want to talk to you about a lighting technique that you will surely love Rembrandt Light! Have you heard of it? If not, don't worry, in this article I will explain you everything you need to know to master it and achieve portraits with an incredible visual impact. So get ready to dive into the world of lighting and discover the secret behind the most stunning portraits. Let's get started!

Master the art of light: learn how to create the Rembrandt effect in your photographs.

Master the art of light: learn how to create the Rembrandt effect in your photographs.

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of photography, especially when it comes to portraits. A very popular and effective lighting technique is the Rembrandt effect, which creates a soft, dramatic light on one side of the subject's face, leaving the other side in shadow.

This effect is named after the famous 17th century Dutch painter Rembrandt, who used this technique in his works. Learning how to create the Rembrandt effect in your photographs can significantly improve the quality of your portraits and make your photos stand out.

Rembrandt light: the secret to creating portraits with visual impact

The Rembrandt light is created by placing a light source at a 45 degree angle to the subject and at a slightly higher height than the head. This creates a triangular shadow on the opposite side of the subject's face, which should be large enough to cover most of the side of the face.

To create the Rembrandt effect, follow these steps:

  • Place the light source at a 45 degree angle to the subject, on the side opposite the camera.
  • Move the light up or down, depending on the angle you want to create.
  • Adjust the light intensity to create the triangular shadow on the opposite side of the subject's face.

It is important to bear in mind that not all faces are the same and that Rembrandt light may not be suitable for all subjects. You may need to experiment with different angles and light intensities to find the perfect setting.

Also, the Rembrandt light should not be the only light source in the scene. It is important to add an additional light source, such as a reflector or fill light, to illuminate the shadowed part of the subject's face.

📸 Need a photographer?

Contact us and we will send you a free proposal 😍.

In summary, the Rembrandt light is an effective lighting technique for portraits that can significantly improve the quality of your photographs. However, it is important to experiment with different settings and add additional light sources to get the best results.

Learn how to highlight the shapes of objects with Rembrandt's contrast technique.

Learn how to highlight the shapes of objects with Rembrandt's contrast technique.

The Rembrandt contrast technique is a lighting technique used in photography and painting to highlight the shapes of objects and to create portraits with an impressive visual impact. The technique is named after the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt, who used it in his works of art.

To apply this technique to your photographs, follow these steps:

  • Position the subject at a 45 degree angle to the light source. This will create a shadow that falls on one of the subject's cheeks, while the other is illuminated by the light.
  • Make sure the shadow does not completely cover the cheek, but forms a triangle of light. This triangle of light should have its base on the cheek and its apex should point down towards the jaw.
  • The light that illuminates the other cheek should be softer and more diffused. You can use a reflector to diffuse the light and create a soft shadow on the other side of the face.
  • Rembrandt's contrast technique works best for portraits, but it can also be used for photographs of objects and landscapes. In these cases, the idea is to create a shadow that highlights the shapes of the object or landscape.

Remember that Rembrandt's contrast technique is just one more tool in a photographer's toolbox. It is not the only lighting technique you can use, but it is a good option if you want to create portraits with an impressive visual impact.

And there you have it! Now you know the secret to creating portraits with visual impact: the Rembrandt light. Remember that with a little practice and patience, you can master this technique and create spectacular photographs. Don't wait any longer and put what you've learned into practice! Your next photo shoot will be a success - capture unique moments with Rembrandt light!

Nicoleta Lupu

Nicoleta Lupu

I am Nicoleta Lupu, professional photographer, specialised in corporate and artistic black and white photography. My work has been awarded with international prizes and recognitions 😊.
es_ESEspañol