Photography Composition - 12 Composition Rules for Your Photos to Shine By James Carren

Rembrandt
You may be surprised to find that Rembrandt lighting, or lighting with lots of chiaroscuro
(intense interplay of lights and darks) is very easy to do. Like all of the lighting setups
above, it requires a maximum of two lights. One light is going to be placed on each side of
the model. Put the light, as usual, about five feet away from the model, angled at forty-five
degrees, and raised above the head at about six feet or more, depending on your model.
The light on the other side should be closer, four feet or so from the model, approximately
at eye level. Have the model pose so that the light falls dramatically across his or her face.
The face should sort of appear to be emerging from the shadows. Use a reflector to pop a
little light in there, as flash might be too harsh and create too much contrast.