Split Lighting-- see the examples

Objective: To learn "split" lighting both in and out of the studio.
Assignment: Produce two portrait photographs using "split" lighting. One must be taken in the studio. One must be taken with "natural" light.
Turn In: Two 8" x 10" photographs mounted on 11" x 14" board and a contact sheet in a clear envelope clearly labeled with your name. Include this assignment sheet.Due: April 11, 2003
Split lighting is a classic dramatic lighting technique. In this style, one half of the face is fully illuminated, while the other side is in shadow. When the photographer is 180 degrees from the light, the lighting style is referred to as "rim" lighting, due to the way the light renders the edge (rim) of the subject.
When lighting in the studio, the main, or "key", light is at a 90 degree (approximately) angle from the face. This lighting technique is also found in nature. The light falling from a window onto your subject can be a perfect way to execute this technique, as long as your subject is positioned correctly in relation to the window.
Use of a reflector or auxiliary light will reduce the contrast in your photograph and increase the detail in the shadowed side of the face. When direct light is used with no fill, the resulting photograph has little or no shadow detail.
For this assignment, you must turn in two photographs, one taken in the studio using a hot light, and one taken in the world using "natural" light. You may use any model of your choice, and the two photographs do not have to feature the same models. However, you must use a person. You may not use a mannequin. You may shoot any format of film you desire. The two prints do not have to be in the same format. You may shoot color or black & white.
Please turn in your contact sheet along with your prints. There will be a classroom critique and discussion on April 11. Do not forget to spot your prints.

During a long exposure, a strobe was used to split light the body and face of Picasso and provide primarily illumination for this photo. The drawing with light was made with a flashlight during the exposure.

Split Lighting can also be referred to as "rim lighting" when the photographer is facing the light source. Notice how the profile of the face is outlined by light.

Look for split lighting outdoors and attune yourself to notice how light falls on subject matter both in and out of the studio. This photograph is by August Sander.

This picture of Dan was taken with natural lighting in a warehouse space. The windows are high and to the right side and late afternoon light is strong and direct.