Learning to use Rembrandt lighting can be valuable if you’re interested in creating dramatic and striking portraits or scenes in your photography or cinematography.
Named after the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, this lighting style is characterized by a triangular highlight on the cheek opposite the light source, creating depth and dimension in the image.
Whether you’re a beginner, experienced photographer, or cinematographer, learning to use Rembrandt lighting can add a new dimension to your work. In this blog post, we’ll explore the basics of Rembrandt lighting and some tips and techniques for using it to create dramatic and striking images.
Finding the right angle and intensity of light
As with portrait photography, the key to creating Rembrandt lighting in cinematography is to place the light source at a 45-degree angle to the subject’s face. This will create the characteristic triangular highlight opposite the light source on the cheek.
In cinematography, you may have more control over the intensity of the light than you would with natural light, depending on the type of lighting equipment you’re using.
For example, you can adjust the power of studio strobes or continuous lights or use flags and other light modifiers to shape and control the light.
Using fill light to balance the exposure
As with portrait photography, it’s important to use fill light to balance the exposure and avoid overly dark or bright areas in the frame. A reflector or a second light source placed on the opposite side of the face can be used to fill in shadows and add dimension.
In cinematography, you may have more control over the fill light than a single light source, as you can use multiple lights to shape and control the light. For example, you can use a key light to create the Rembrandt lighting effect and then use fill lights to balance the exposure and add dimension to the scene.
Experimenting with different light sources
In cinematography, you can use various light sources to create Rembrandt lighting, including natural light, studio strobes, and continuous lighting. Experimenting with different light sources can help you find the best look for your scene.
For example, suppose you’re using natural light. In that case, you can experiment with different times of day to see how the light changes and affects the scene. Suppose you’re using a studio strobe or continuous light. In that case, you can experiment with different modifiers, such as softboxes and umbrellas, to see how they affect the light quality.
Paying attention to the placement of the light source
As with portrait photography, the placement of the light source can significantly impact the scene’s final look. Moving the light source slightly higher or lower can create different effects, such as emphasizing the eyes or adding more drama to the image.
In cinematography, you may have more control over the light source placement than natural light, as you can use stands and other equipment to position the light exactly where you want it.
In conclusion, Rembrandt lighting is a classic technique that can add drama and visual interest to your cinematography. By placing the light source at a 45-degree angle to the subject’s face and using fill light to balance the exposure, you can create the characteristic triangular highlight on the cheek opposite the light source.
Experimenting with different light sources and paying attention to the placement of the light source can help you find the look that works best for your scene. Additionally, using complementary colors in the background or as accents can enhance the scene’s drama. With a bit of practice and experimentation, you’ll be able to master this classic lighting technique and add a new dimension to your cinematography.
