Lighting / Learn by doing
Butterfly Lighting explained simply
What is โButterfly Lightingโ?
A portrait pattern with a small shadow under the nose, made by a light above and close to the camera direction.
- 01Central high light
- 02Nose shadow
- 03Check the eyes
How do you use Butterfly Lighting practically?
A small exercise
Place the key light centrally above the lens direction. Check the nose shadow and move the light until the eyes remain bright.
- Make a starting version and keep it so you can compare fairly.
- Try the change in the exercise. Keep unrelated choices steady where the exercise allows.
- Compare the result at the size your viewer will actually see. Write down what changed and whether it helped.
How does Butterfly Lighting solve a problem?
It gives a symmetrical portrait pattern useful for some beauty and fashion images.
What can go wrong?
Too high a light can create dark eye sockets. Suit the light to the face instead of copying a fixed height.
How do you turn the idea into a useful solution?
Start with the specific problem in your image or brief, try the exercise, and keep the version that meets that need. If the result is worse, return to the starting version and change one choice at a time.
Quick check: can you explain the three ideas in the diagram?
Central high light โ Nose shadow โ Check the eyes. Explain how each relates to the exercise. Then compare the starting version with your result and choose the one that meets your brief.
Related video lesson
Portrait lighting โ Adorama
This related lesson gives wider context for the topic. Camera menus and software versions may differ from yours.
Loading the player connects to YouTube. You can also watch the lesson on YouTube.Keep exploring
Try the idea in a studio shoot
Planning a portrait or product session? Use the glossary with our practical shoot guides, then check the studio facilities and send your confirmed requirements with an availability enquiry.