name from the narrow shadow that you’ll see is cast just beneath the subject’s
nose—a shadow that looks like a butterfly. Made popular by Hollywood pho-
tographers, this pattern can be striking because of the way it highlights facial
features, emphasizing the eyes, cheekbones, and jawline, while deemphasiz-
ing the nose. (A lightbulb should have just lit up! This is one of the physical
features many women don’t like.) Moving your light slightly to the right or
left will determine whether your butterfly is short or broad.
Rembrandt Lighting.If you started with your main light in the loop po-
sition and moved about 20 degrees away from the camera and a little higher,
you’d have Rembrandt lighting. This pattern was made famous by one of
the great Renaissance painters, so you know it has to be good.
44 MASTER GUIDE FOR GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
TOP LEFT—If you look past Shelly’s gorgeous
blond hair, you’ll see a classic butterfly (and
slightly short-lit) lighting pattern. ABOVE—
Note the classic butterfly shadow on Chepa’s
face. Remember this pattern when working
outside during midday; it’s easy to create.
LEFT—Rembrandt lighting narrows the face
and gives your image a classical look. Here,
you can see how this light draws attention to
Cheri’s eyes, cheekbones, and beautiful facial
structure.