When it comes to creating stunning portrait images, mastering different lighting patterns is crucial. These patterns determine the way light and shadow fall on the subject's face, highlighting their features and adding depth to the photograph. There are five primary portrait lighting patterns: split lighting, loop lighting, Rembrandt lighting, butterfly lighting, and broad lighting.

• Split lighting involves placing the light source to one side of the subject, creating a dramatic effect with half of the face well-lit and the other half in shadow.

• Loop lighting is characterized by a small loop-shaped shadow under the subject's nose, creating a subtle and flattering look.

• Rembrandt lighting is named after the famous painter and is achieved by illuminating one side of the face and creating a small triangle-shaped light on the opposite cheek.

• Butterfly lighting gets its name from the butterfly-shaped shadow that forms under the nose when the light source is placed directly in line with the camera.

• Broad lighting involves illuminating the side of the face that is farthest from the camera, resulting in a wider appearance.

Each lighting pattern has its own unique characteristics and can be used to convey different moods and emotions. By understanding and practicing these patterns, photographers can have better control over the lighting in their portraits and create visually captivating images.

Remember, experimenting with these lighting patterns and adapting them to suit your subjects' features and desired aesthetic is key to developing your own signature style. Practice is essential to master the art of portrait lighting, so take every opportunity to hone your skills. Happy photographing!

Subject: A portrait of a young woman with split lighting pattern Background: A dark and moody setting with a hint of warm light in the background Mood: Dramatic and mysterious

Camera: DSLR Lens: 85mm prime lens Aperture: f/2.8 Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec ISO: 400 Other settings: Manual mode, white balance set to tungsten

Description: In this image, the subject is a young woman with striking features. The split lighting pattern is used to create a dramatic effect on her face. The light source is positioned to one side, casting half of her face in a beautiful glow while the other half is cloaked in shadows. The resulting image showcases strong contrast and adds depth to the portrait.

The background is intentionally dark, enhancing the mysterious and alluring mood. There is a faint warm glow in the background, possibly from a small source of light, which adds a touch of interest to the overall composition.

The photograph is captured using a DSLR camera with an 85mm prime lens. The wide aperture of f/2.8 is chosen to create a shallow depth of field, focusing attention on the subject's face while gently blurring the background. With a shutter speed of 1/60 sec, the photographer ensures sharpness without introducing any motion blur. The ISO level of 400 strikes a balance between noise reduction and capturing sufficient light in the scene.

Overall, this portrait image with a split lighting pattern, dark background, and mysterious mood captures the essence of the topic and demonstrates the use of lighting techniques to create a visually captivating photograph.