– research the creation of dark and moody photographs, and create a short series of photographs.

By Mel Boulden

What's the origin story of Rembrant Lighting?

As the name suggests, Rembrandt photography originated with the famous Dutch painter, Rembrandt. He was a major innovator in the medium, and that included introducing the art world to his signature form of lighting subjects.

In his self-portrait, you can see the technique at play, particularly with the small triangle located just below his left eye. He may have invented the lighting style, but he actually didn’t coin the term. That distinction belongs to famous film director Cecil B. DeMille. While he was making the 1915 film The Warrens of Virginia, he borrowed some portable spotlights from an L.A. opera house and would create shadows in his shots where shadows would normally appear in nature.

He named the technique “Rembrandt lighting.”

Why did I choose this topic?

a bit about me.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE contrasting light. I adore the interplay of light and dark and how we can manipulate shape and form just by changing the lighting. I love creating this contrast with window light. It's my fave.

I had to get good at shooting in ALL lighitng situations being a wedding photographer. I once eard a portrait photographer say she refused to shoot any sessions in the hours other than sunrise and sunset because it scared the pants of her. It made me so sad! Direct light is undervalued and underutilised and I hope that this might help everyone feel confiedent in using it.

The images below are not an example of Rembrant Lighting, just the use of harsh window light. I love shooting in this.!

So What Exactly Is Rembrant Lighting?

This is what you'll see if you look up Rembrant Lighting:

Below is a little example of Rembrant Lighting used in film making to help create drama.

https://youtu.be/4d5KovCbU8w

How do I do it?

You really just need one light and one reflector. There are three key steps.

Step 1 — Stage your camera

Once you've established the position of your camera and your subject, the Rembrandt lighting can be designed accordingly. In this example, the camera is facing our subject but that doesn't always have to be the case.

Step 2 — Position your key light

Next, add your primary light source (key light). You'll want the light to be located somewhere above the subject, not on eye level.

Next, you’ll want to angle the light about 50 or 60 degrees to one side. You can adjust the light as necessary until you see that signature "Rembrandt triangle" appear under their eye.

Step 3 — Position your reflector

Place your reflector (or a fill light) on the other side of the subject about three or four feet away at eye level and at a 45-degree angle. This will help to soften the shadows on the other side of the subject’s face.