Three Quarter Lighting

Objective: To learn three quarter lighting with one light.

Assignment: Produce two portrait photographs utilizing three-quarter broad lighting and its compliment, Rembrandt lighting.

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: March 28, 2003

Some of the best lighting techniques are produced with one main light. Think of the sun and the myriad lighting effects found on this earth. In the studio, you can use one light and produce a variety of looks by varying the height of your light and the angle of both your subject and the light. You can use reflectors to toss back in some light rays, making your main light work for you twice as hard.
For this assignment, you must produce two portrait photographs using the exact same set up. The only difference between the two photographs should be the position of the photographer. To produce three-quarter, broad lighting, your main light should be positioned at a 45¾ angle from the center of the face. One side of the face will be fully illuminated, and the other side of the face should have a triangular shaped highlight caused when the shadow of the nose merges with the shadow side of the face.
When the shadowed side of the face is closer to the camera, this is known as Rembrandt lighting, after the Dutch painter who used an abundance of darkness in his work. The lighting set up is the same for both styles of lighting and your exposure should be the same. Use reflectors, if you wish, to soften the shadows. You may photograph anyone you like for this assignment. Pay attention to the structure of their face and make your subject look their best. Please shoot this portrait close to your subject. From the waist up is good, from the shoulders up is better.
Use hot lights. Do not use strobes.