The Rembrandt Triangle is a lighting technique commonly used in portrait photography. This technique is named after the famous Dutch painter, Rembrandt van Rijn, who often used this lighting pattern in his paintings. In this blog post, we will discuss the history, why it works so well, how to achieve it in a photograph, and when not to use it.
History
The Rembrandt Triangle is a lighting pattern that was popularized by the Dutch painter Rembrandt in the 17th century. He used this lighting pattern in many of his paintings, creating a distinct look that is still admired and replicated today. The technique involves creating a small, triangular patch of light on the subject's cheek opposite the light source.
Why it works so well
The Rembrandt Triangle is a popular lighting pattern because it creates a dramatic and striking look. The triangle of light on the subject's cheek creates depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye to the subject's face. It can also create a sense of mood and emotion, depending on the placement and intensity of the light.
How to achieve it in a photograph
To achieve the Rembrandt Triangle lighting pattern in a photograph, you'll need to position your light source correctly. You can use natural or artificial light, but it's important to have control over the direction and intensity of the light. Here's how to achieve the Rembrandt Triangle in a photograph:
Position your subject facing the light source at a 45-degree angle.
Position the light source slightly above the subject's eye level, angled downwards towards the subject's face.
Look for a small, triangular patch of light on the subject's cheek opposite the light source.
Adjust the position of the light source as needed to create a more pronounced triangle of light.
When not to use it in a photograph
While the Rembrandt Triangle is a popular and striking lighting pattern, it's not always appropriate for every photograph. Here are some situations when you may want to avoid using the Rembrandt Triangle:
When shooting a group portrait: The Rembrandt Triangle is designed to highlight one subject's features, making it difficult to achieve when shooting a group portrait.
When shooting a subject with a round face: The Rembrandt Triangle works best on subjects with well-defined facial features. If your subject has a round face, the triangle of light may not be as pronounced, making it less effective.
When shooting in a low-light environment: The Rembrandt Triangle requires a certain level of control over the direction and intensity of the light. If you're shooting in a low-light environment, it may be difficult to achieve the desired effect.
In conclusion, the Rembrandt Triangle is a popular lighting pattern in portrait photography. It creates a dramatic and striking look that can enhance the features of your subject and create a sense of mood and emotion. By understanding the history, why it works so well, and how to achieve it in a photograph, you can add this technique to your toolkit and create stunning portraits that your subjects will love.