Why need a flashlight? (Light Patterns)
Nov 16, 2019
Gradually when you started becoming more familiar with the light and then you must also work, explore, create for a pattern of the lights, which is more important for the portrait, model, headshot photography. On the basis of deep knowledge of the light pattern then you actually shoot portraits, headshot etc These all lighting pattern are the backbone of the portrait photography, without having a deep thorough knowledge of light pattern, it is hardly impossible to create magic in your portrait photography.
It takes a lot of time and patience to capture the portrait with the required light pattern. Also, no pain no gain, Lots of famous professional photographer spend the whole day to settle light pattern before shooting the portrait. Once the light pattern is settled then they proceed to shoot if no settlement of light pattern till that your model has to wait. It is a pure matter of capturing magical light patterns along with the model.
let's discuss the light patterns. There are five common types of light patterns. If you are looking for becoming an efficient photographer then this article is for you.
- Flat Light
- Butterfly light
- Loop Light
- Rembrandt Light
- Split Light
Flat Light Pattern
Flat Light- When there is no contrast between the highlights and shadows in the photos or there is no light drama in the photo called the flat light pattern photos. The photograph with less contrast, less depth and less interest. Sometimes beginner photographer captures the flat image without good technical and good compositional elements. It is the image that indeed looks ‘flat' which means there is a very two-dimensional look to the image due to the lack of contrast. Sometimes it is called a dull image too.
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Butterfly Light Pattern
Butterfly Light - This is the pattern, where light placed is placed above the subject or centred with a subject's face. This light creates a shadow under the nose that resembles a butterfly. Also, It is also called paramount lighting.
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Loop lighting pattern 
Loop Light- When your subject is lit from above and from the 45-degree angle. This creates a magical nose shadow and spreads shadow on the model cheek, the face is almost illuminated. Light is coming from one single direction, you can also assume directional light.
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Rembrandt Light Pattern 
Rembrandt lighting - A iconic technique, results are achieved with one/two light and one reflector, no other studio light accessories are used, that's the beauty of this pattern. This pattern creates a more natural image with a minimum of light equipment
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Split lighting- One of the great techniques, where half of the face is in the dark and half of the face is lit. This creates a great drama to a portrait. Light is evenly divided over the subject called the split Light pattern.
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Conclusion- These are a few important common lights pattern but I would like to mention that this is not the final light pattern, It's beginning of learning and you have to explore more creative and stunning light patterns. that's the photography's true requirement. Until or unless you don't explore the new one, try using these patterns and see the magic in your photographs.
Keep experimenting and Have wonderful and happy photography to you all.
Photographer and Blogger Prasenjeet Gautam (www.prasenjeetgautam.com) has captured the above images. INDIA
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