Photography Lighting Setup Diagrams

How to read a lighting diagram

Lighting diagrams are drawn as if you are looking down from the ceiling. The subject sits in the middle, the camera is at the bottom, and each light is shown at its position and angle. In the diagrams below, S is the subject, C is the camera, K is the key light, F is the fill light or reflector and R is a rim or back light.

Positions are approximate. Treat them as starting points and adjust by eye, watching the shadows on the face.

One-light setups

A single light is enough for many portraits (see portrait photography with one light). Moving it around the subject changes the pattern.

        K (loop: about 30-45 degrees to the side, a little above eye level)
         \
          \
           S

           |
           C

• Loop: key slightly to one side of the camera and above eye level. A small nose shadow loops toward the cheek.
• Rembrandt: key farther to the side and higher, so a small triangle of light appears on the shadowed cheek.
• Split: key at roughly 90 degrees to the subject, lighting half of the face.
• Butterfly: key directly in front and above, which leaves a shadow under the nose.

For a one-light setup, a reflector or white wall on the shadow side adds gentle fill.

Two-light setups

Key plus fill

  K                     F
    \                  /
     \                /
          S
          |
          C

The key is the main light. The fill is placed on the other side of the camera and set weaker, so shadows are lifted without removing shape. Read more in fill lighting in photography and for how strong to make it, see contrast lighting in photography.

Clamshell

 side view

   K (above, in front, angled down)
     \
       S
     /
   F (below, in front, angled up)

   C between the two

The camera shoots through the gap between the key and fill, a common headshot and beauty arrangement. See our full guide to clamshell lighting.

Three-light setup

         R (behind, to one side, aimed at subject)
          \
  K                F
    \             /
          S
          |
          C

Add a rim light behind the subject (a staple of studio portrait techniques) to outline hair and shoulders and separate the figure from the background. Be careful that it does not shine into the lens, which can cause flare.

Setups for video

The same three roles apply to video: key, fill and back light. The main difference is that video needs continuous light, so LED panels or other constant sources are used rather than flash. Soft, large key lights placed slightly off axis are a common starting point, with the fill kept gentle for a natural look. There is no single best lighting for video, as it depends on the mood, the space and the camera.

Drawing your own plan

1. Sketch a rectangle for the room and mark the subject and camera.
2. Add each light with a rough angle, height and distance.
3. Note the modifier, such as softbox, umbrella or reflector.
4. Shoot a test, then record what you changed.

A plan like this lets you repeat a look later. To understand why the positions work, read lighting basics for photography.