Day: March 5, 2026

Today’s Agenda:

• Finish Portrait Light Pattern Video and Blog Post.
• Portrait lighting set up demonstration.
• Practice the portrait light patterns with a partner using window light/natural light.
• Portrait Light Pattern Project

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Portrait Light Patterns Project

Due Monday 3/9/26

First, you can practice the portrait light patterns with group members using window lights. You can even do this without a camera, just so you know how to position your subject to create the shadow patterns you need.

Make one good portrait example for each of the 7 portrait lighting patterns using studio lights.

Everyone takes turns as photographers to get their OWN 7 portrait light patterns using other group members as subjects.

Edit your 7 portraits to post on your blog with the pattern + camera settings in the captions. 

1. Flat…light is facing subject directly to eliminate most shadows.
2. Butterfly…light is in front and above subject=symmetrical shadow under nose
3. Loop…light is to one side at about 45 degree angle=small loop shadow on one side of nose
4. Rembrandt…subject continues to turn away from light=the loop nose shadow will meet the cheek shadow and hopefully produce a triangle of light under the eye on shadow side.
5. Split…subject continues to turn away from light=one half of the face is in shadow.
6. Broad…subject turns away from light=broad side of face has light, short side in shadow.
7. Short...subject turns back towards light=short side of face has light, broad side in shadow.

 

Camera Settings Suggestions:

• Aperture Priority (Av) w/ Automatic ISO and low f-stop number.
• Or…Manual Mode (M), shutter speeds at 1/100-1/200, low f-stop number, ISO about 400-800 (lowest possible ISO always).
• Use regular lens but zoomed in at 55mm. Or use long lens zoomed out all the way.
• Hold the camera vertically (portrait orientation).