I have chosen to look at the photos of four well-known photographers and the lighting they have used during their shoots.

One such photographer is Maisie Cousins, who focuses her work in the categories of female gaze, feminism, still life, and performance.

This photo by Maisie Cousins demonstrates Rembrandt lighting; this can be seen by the small triangle shaped area of light on the left side of the models face. Also the lighting used is of different colours which create an almost mystical ambience. The colours, combined with the lighting technique, create interesting shadows and areas of illumination which add depth to the image on the features of the model. The pale pastel colours of the light are appealing to the eye which draws attention to the photo.

 

Another photographer is Nick Knight, who directs his works into the fashion side of photography.

This photo shows Butterfly lighting which involves directing the light onto the subject from above the camera. This lighting technique can be identified by the shadows fashioned below the cheekbones and nose of the model. This adds a rounded shape to the face which gives the high fashion look to the shot.

Furthermore, the black shadows of the face also contrast greatly with the vibrant purple and teal colours of the dress and hands.

 

One other photographer whose photographs feature the lighting techniques is Paolo Roversi, whose photographs feature within the categories of portraiture, fine art, and fashion.

This photograph displays split lighting, which involves the lighting being directed at the side of the face of the model at a 90-degree angle to shroud one side of the face in darkness. The lighting is aimed at the cheek of the model; this causes the shadow lines to appear considerably sharp and harsh.

To make the lighting slightly softer, the light should be directed at the nose instead of the cheek. This causes the shadowed area to be of a lighter tone which exposes the features of the darkened side of the face, as shown below:

 

Another photographer is Francesca Woodman, whose photos are the subject of self-portraiture and fine art.

This photo uses split lighting, aimed at the cheek of the models faces. This positioning can be determined by the distinct line along the bridge of the nose and the middle of the chin. This distinct shadowing of the face adds expression to the otherwise expressionless portrait.