Dec 12, 2024

[Photography] Loop Lighting: A Comprehensive Guide

The post Loop Lighting: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.

A guide to beautiful loop lighting in portraits

The way you light a portrait influences so much: How the person appears, the depth and three-dimensionality of the scene, and even the overall mood conveyed by the photograph.

Loop lighting is just one method of illuminating a subject – yet if you use this technique, you can be pretty certain that whoever is sitting in front of your camera will like the results. Plus, loop lighting is extremely easy to set up; you only need a single light source (which can be ambient light, a speedlight, a studio strobe, or a continuous light).

In this article, I offer a comprehensive overview of loop lighting. I explain what loop lighting is, when you should use it, and a simple, step-by-step approach for creating the lighting pattern in your own photos.

So if you’re ready to revolutionize your portrait photography, then let’s get started!

What is loop lighting?

Loop lighting is a popular lighting pattern that creates a shadow under and to one side of the subject’s nose; this small “loop” gives the pattern its name.

woman looking at a mask with loop lighting
Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/8 | 1/200s | ISO 400

To create the loop of shadow, you can position your main (key) light so it’s above and slightly to the side of your subject. Note that, along with the loop shadow cast by your subject’s nose, some of the subject’s face will be in shadow, and they’ll also have a shadow under their chin.

The size and intensity of the loop shadow depend on:

  • The type of light
  • The light’s position
  • Whether the light is direct or diffused
  • The amount of ambient light
  • Other light sources or reflectors

Even once you have a loop lighting approach dialed in, the way you manage your main light will dramatically alter the results. If your key light is positioned farther away from your subject, the lighting intensity will change. And as you move the light to one side or the other, higher or lower, the shadows on your subject will change, too.

Of course, if you adjust the position of your key light too much, you’ll eventually lose the loop lighting effect; instead, you might create another common pattern, such as Rembrandt lighting, split lighting, or butterfly lighting.

dark portrait of a woman with loop lighting
Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/8 | 1/250s | ISO 400

When should you use loop lighting?

If your goal is to create a highly flattering portrait, then loop lighting is one of your best options.

As I mentioned above, it’s easy to set up; you only need a few pieces of lighting gear (or nice ambient lighting).

And because loop lighting requires minimal gear, you can spend more time connecting with your subject. You’ll also have more opportunities to make sure your camera and lens are behaving as desired.

What makes loop lighting so flattering? It’s very gentle on your subject’s face. Yes, it creates some shadows, but they aren’t very harsh (compared to other lighting styles). Instead, loop lighting produces light and shadow that show the facial contours pleasantly. As long as you can get the angle of light right, the shadows will complement the person nicely.

Other techniques, such as Rembrandt lighting, produce shadows that cover more of the face. If you want your portraits to feature a more intense feel, such an approach works well; in fact, dark shadows on the face tend to add drama and even mystery because part of the face is hidden.

However, if your goal is to create a beautiful portrait that emphasizes the subject’s features, loop lighting is a better option.

By the way, people with more oval-shaped faces will especially appreciate the loop lighting technique. Why? It accentuates cheekbones, which tends to create a slimming look.

mud-covered portrait with loop lighting pattern
Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/11 | 1/200s | ISO 400

Getting started with loop lighting: step by step

When you start doing studio portraiture, it’s a good idea to experiment with a wide variety of lighting styles and techniques. Loop lighting is a great first option.

Because loop lighting is both easy and flattering, you’re far more likely to receive positive feedback from the person you’re photographing, which will encourage repeat shoots and referrals (it’ll make you feel more motivated, too!).

Remember: The less you need to pay attention to the lighting, the more you can focus on communicating with your subject. So start out with an easy, one-light setup. Only add a reflector or a second light source once you’ve had plenty of time to practice.

So how should you approach loop lighting for the first time? Here’s my recommended step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Prepare yourself for the photoshoot

Before your subject arrives, make sure that you’re ready to capture a loop-lit photo.

Take a look at the location. Think mainly about the ambient light and the background. Will you rely on available light? Or will you add a light source to create the loop lighting effect? Where will you position your light source and subject?

Ensure you have all the necessary gear; if you plan to use artificial lighting, set up your equipment in advance and make sure it all works as expected.

The more you can determine before your subject even arrives, the better your results will be.

Step 2: Position your light source

Once your subject arrives, ask them to stand or sit in position, then adjust your light so it’s slightly above and to the side of their face. The goal is to create that little loop of shadow under the nose, and I encourage you to clearly communicate this with your subject; otherwise, they’ll have no idea what you’re trying to achieve.

If you’re using a speedlight or strobe, you’ll generally need to capture a series of test photos. Take a shot, check the results on the back of your camera, adjust the light’s position, and shoot again. It may take a few tries before you see a nice loop shadow, and that’s okay – though the more efficient your testing process, the more comfortable the subject will feel.

If you’re worried about the setup process and/or you need to work quickly, consider starting with a continuous light source (such as an artificial continuous light or ambient light). That way, you can see where the shadows fall on the face, and you can skip the entire testing process.

Regardless, I find that talking to people about what I am doing and how I want them positioned helps them feel relaxed. If you take people through the photoshoot process, they’ll feel more confident, which shows in their facial expressions.

Step 3: Modify the lighting

At this point, you should have that nice loop-lighting shadow, but it often pays to refine the overall effect.

For instance, you can bring in a reflector – and while this isn’t absolutely necessary, it’ll soften the shadows on the subject’s face for an even more flattering result.

You can test out a few different reflector positions: beneath the subject’s chin, on the side opposite the light source, or somewhere in between. As you move the reflector, pay careful attention to the shadows on your subject’s face; the difference may be subtle, but it can be very significant.

Adding some diffusion to the light source will also help soften the shadows, which will make the image less dramatic. Of course, less drama isn’t always ideal, so you’ll need to decide if this is the type of look you want.

Woman with hair over her eyes
Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/8 | 1/200s | ISO 400

Step 4: Add a second light

You can create a beautiful loop lighting effect with just one light source, but if you want to take your portraits to the next level, consider adding a light behind your subject.

Make sure the light is positioned either directly behind your subject or just outside the frame. It should be directed at your subject’s back, though you’ll need to make sure the spread is confined to the subject’s head and shoulders; the goal is to help them pop off the screen, which is especially important when you’re capturing dark hair on an already-dark backdrop.

Loop lighting: final words

Portrait of a man with a snake that uses loop lighting
Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/11 | 1/250s | ISO 400

Loop lighting is a simple and effective technique for flattering portraits. You don’t need anything other than your camera, a lens, and a light source, so it’s great for beginners (though using additional lighting gear will give you more options).

So practice the technique until you know it well. As with any simple lighting style, you can tweak aspects of your setup to achieve different looks, so don’t be afraid to experiment. And make sure you communicate with your subject along the way!

The more you practice, the better you’ll get, and the more you’ll please your subjects. Happy shooting!

How do you plan to use loop lighting in your next photoshoot? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Loop Lighting: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.



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[Photography] 13 Tips to Improve Your Street Photography Compositions

The post 13 Tips to Improve Your Street Photography Compositions appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.

Tips for stunning street photography compositions

Street photography composition is challenging because the scenes you’re photographing often change (and at a very rapid pace, too!). As you hunt for the perfect light, you may encounter dozens of locations and subjects, and with each new opportunity, you must think about how to create an effective image arrangement.

Composing compelling street photos is both challenging and rewarding. It often demands a strong sense of timing to capture that elusive decisive moment, but once you understand the basics, taking great street photos will come naturally.

In this article, I share 13 practical tips to help improve your street compositions, starting with:

1. Use foreground elements to add depth and context

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 35mm | f/7.1 | 1/250s | ISO 400

Most street photographers just focus on the main subject – but if you can include something relevant to the story in the foreground, it’ll help draw the viewer’s eye into the shot. Aim to frame this element so it’s not the main subject but instead helps draw attention to the most important part of the shot.

This technique is most effective when there’s a lot of depth to the scene. Landscape photographers love this style of composition, but it can also be very effective for street photography. The wider your lens’s focal length, the more dramatically the foreground element will appear.

2. Use leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye

Another great street photography composition technique? Leading lines. These are strong lines in your composition that help draw the viewer’s eye through the photo toward the main subject.


Positioning yourself to make use of strong lines that run diagonally through your frame is particularly effective. When a line appears to emerge from a corner – or close to a corner – it will have the most impact and effectiveness.

Once you’ve identified a line or two in your street scene, take your time determining how to position your camera. Ask yourself: Which focal length will make the most of these lines?

3. Experiment with different perspectives

It’s easy to get in a habit of shooting from a standing height, but if you want to capture unique images, try to change it up. Look for opportunities to get up high above the action or down low so you’re looking up at your subject.

For instance, you can use a footbridge overlooking a street or market area to capture life as it carries on below you. In an ideal location, you’ll be able to shoot for as long as you like without being interrupted. Take your time to watch the activity below, and wait for the decisive moments to occur.

And look for places you can get down below the action. This is often more challenging but can produce some dramatic street compositions. (I am noticing, too, that the older I get, it’s not so much the getting down to take the photo that’s challenging – it’s getting back up!)

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 85mm | f/5.6 | 1/1000s | ISO 400

4. Look for patterns and repetition to add visual interest

Patterns and repetition often provide wonderful backgrounds to interesting action. And when the patterns are especially interesting, they make wonderful compositions on their own.

When you find a nice pattern, move around and look at it. Watch how your perception of the pattern changes from different angles. Does the light alter the way the pattern appears as you move about? Aim to take your photos from a position that makes the most of the repetition.

5. Pay attention to the background

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 35mm | f/11 | 1/250s | ISO 400

How often have you seen an interesting subject in a street photo, only to realize that it’s disrupted by a distracting element in the background? All too often, photographers notice a cool thing to photograph and fail to check the background.

Often all you need to do to create a more interesting composition is to change your position (sometimes very slightly). As you move, the relationship between your subject and the background changes, which can provide you with an interesting subject that is suddenly isolated from the background.

Sometimes, however, you’re in a good spot – you just need to wait for traffic or people passing behind your subject to move on. Then you can capture a more compelling, simpler street shot.

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 35mm | f/8 | 1/500s | ISO 400

6. Use negative space to simplify the scene

Negative space refers to areas of emptiness or uniformity within an image – and when used carefully, it’s a great street photo composition tool.

It can help balance your shots and draw attention to your subject, though it’s important that you pay careful attention to how much negative space you include in each shot. Excessive negative space can significantly change the mood of your shot to give you a very minimalistic, tranquil result, which isn’t always ideal.

7. Experiment with a variety of focal lengths

When you find an interesting street subject, don’t just take a single shot and move on. Instead, spend some time experimenting! Photograph using different focal lengths and different lenses. Look carefully at the relationship between your subject and the background. How does the relationship change as you zoom from a wider to a narrower field of view?

I prefer using my 35mm lens for street photography. But I also carry my 105mm lens because I sometimes want to capture less of the surroundings and focus more on the main subject. Having a short telephoto lens on hand helps me create more diversity in my compositions.

8. Use the light to create mood and drama

As you walk the streets, always be aware of the light and how it’s changing. Light is the essence of street photography (and photography more broadly), so no matter what you’re taking picture of or where you are in the world, the light you use is key to capturing a good photo.

Pause every now and then to take stock of the light. Think about what the light is doing, and consider how it can bring more drama to your photos. Alternatively, think about the mood the light creates and choose a subject that suits the atmosphere.

9. Look for contrast in the scene

Many street photographers love to create compositions based entirely on contrasts. They’ll find a spot where the light and shadows play nicely together to create strong shapes or interesting patterns. Then they’ll wait for the right moment – when a person, a cyclist, or a dog moves through the scene.

When you find such a location, position yourself in a convenient spot. Then, with your camera to your eye, move around until you create a pleasing composition based primarily on contrast. Ask yourself: How can I make use of the rules of composition? Does the rule of thirds work in this scenario? Are there strong leading lines? Can I create a frame within a frame?

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/3.5 | 1/800s | ISO 200

10. Capture motion to add a sense of energy

Including motion in your street photos is a great way to add interest and plenty of dynamism. People walking or running, cars whizzing by, or crowds flowing past the camera can all make great subjects.

But whenever there’s motion within your composition, think of the most effective way to capture it. Don’t just fire that shutter without careful consideration. Should you use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion? Or could you use a slow shutter speed and create motion blur instead?

(If you’re not sure how to approach the scene, go ahead and try several shutter speeds. That way, you don’t have to worry about missing the shot, and you’ll have plenty of time to evaluate the images down the line.)

11. Use reflections to add depth and interest

Reflections, when used carefully, can add lots of extra depth and dimension. A reflection can duplicate a subject, or it can introduce other elements that may not be otherwise visible in your compositions (such as a person sitting nearby or a beautiful sky).

When including a reflection in your street shot, think about where you should focus. If you’re using a wider aperture (and hence creating a shallow depth of field) when you focus on the reflective surface, the subject itself might be out of focus. Notice how, in this next shot, the vehicle itself isn’t sharp, but the reflection is:

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 35mm | f/8 | 1/200s | ISO 400

There’s no right way to handle this, but it’s important that you carefully choose your aperture and your point of focus so you get the result you’re after.

12. Capture the feeling and atmosphere of the place

What you include and what you exclude from your frame can dramatically impact the atmosphere of your photos. Always look to see what is filling your frame, then do what you can to make the most of it (or to exclude it entirely).

Think about each element of the composition and how they interact with other elements. How does the mood of the photo change in response? Do what you can to create an image that encapsulates the feeling of the environment!

13. Be patient and wait for the right moment

Timing is a key part of any good street photography composition (assuming the scene includes movement). For instance, when people or vehicles are passing by, it’s essential that you choose your moment. Press your shutter button at the wrong time, and you’ll end up with a weak composition; press your shutter button at right time, and the result can be breathtaking.

Learn to be more patient. Carefully watch the activity you’re wanting to photograph. Look for patterns of movement. Once you can predict the action in advance, you’ll be able to create much stronger compositions.

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 35mm | f/9 | 1/320s | ISO 400

Street photography composition tips: final words

Understanding the basics of street photography composition takes time, effort, and – most of all – practice. The more you practice, the more you’ll understand what works and what doesn’t.

As you spend time in the street with your camera in your hands, you’ll become more confident and capable. Use the tips in this article to level up your shots, and make sure you have plenty of fun along the way!

The post 13 Tips to Improve Your Street Photography Compositions appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.



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