You can also create this pattern by starting with a split-lighting setup
where you’re looking at the shadow side of the face. Then, move the light to-
ward the center until just a little light crosses the nose and creates a triangle
on the opposite cheekbone. Other than that cheekbone and the jaw, the en-
tire shadow side of the face will be quite dark.
Remember, faces come first. The previous section should give you a lot
of choices and a lot to think about. At first, your mind will probably be clut-
tered with the different options, but remember there is no single way to light
a subject. Usually you’ll have at least a couple of good options. But it’s al-
ways good to have a default to fall back. If in doubt, short light; if you’re de-
bating which pattern, loop light. You won’t go wrong.Facial Angles.
There are only three correct angles at which to photograph a face: full, two-
thirds, and profile.
Full Face.In magazine photography, we see lots of full faces—but keep
in mind that they’re working with perfect faces and flawless makeup.
You can create a full-face pose that is either basic or feminine. These vari-
ations used to be called masculine and feminine, but the industry has gotten
away from that. While it’s true that you will rarely light a man in a feminine
style, you often will light a woman’s face in a basic style. In a basic pose, theFor a basic full-face pose, the subject’s face
and body are facing the main light. In this
image of Fawn, you can see that her head is
then tipped toward her lower shoulder.