Loop lighting

Guide shadows and capture grace with loop lighting...

What is loop lighting?

Loop lighting is a lighting technique where you position your main, or 'key' light, at roughly 30 to 45 degrees from your camera to create a small, delicate shadow–shaped like a loop–on the face.

This shadow appears on the far side of the subject’s nose. It’s a bit like looking at a crescent moon nestled peacefully on the cheek. It's as if you were standing by your camera, then took about ten big steps to one side. The light source should be placed slightly above the subject's eye level as if it were the sun at noon.

Loop lighting is a bit like the perfect filter for round or oval-faced subjects. By creating defined shadows, it excellently distinguishes facial features and contours, giving a very natural and splendid look. It's not far from how a gentle dab of contouring makeup enhances one's face by creating dimension.

You might picture it as cooking–you start with one main ingredient, the single light, but you can jazz it up with different spices or modifiers like umbrellas and softboxes.

They help to refine the effect, making the lighting softer and more diffuse. You could even add a reflector or a second light source, not unlike adding a sauce or garnish, to soften the shadows and produce an even, more subtly illuminated outcome.

Loop lighting – it's not just versatile; it's like having a Swiss Army Knife. It’s adaptable to different situations and lighting conditions, and therein lies its popularity with photographers, both novices and professionals.

And like with any tool, it’s encouraged that you practice and experiment with loop lighting to unearth its numerous effects and how you can play with it to create varying moods and emotions in portraits.

While loop lighting is distinctive in its own right, remember that it's just one of many lighting techniques in photography. There are others like Rembrandt lighting, side lighting, split lighting, butterfly lighting, broad lighting, and short lighting besides Loop lighting. Believe it or not, each of them yields unique effects and serves different purposes.

It's like an artist slowly mastering each stroke; learning and conquering one lighting pattern at a time can gradually boost your confidence and elevate your off-camera flash skills.

How to use loop lighting in photography?

Picture yourself in a photography studio; your camera is poised and ready, your subject is settled, and all you need now is the perfect lighting. This is where loop lighting comes into play.

Here are the 9 steps and ways you can use loop lighting in photography based on my experience:

1. Position your light source

The first step to using loop lighting in photography is to position your light source. You'll want to place your main light source (softbox, umbrella, or window light) at a 30-45-degree angle to the side of your subject's face. This angle is key because this is what will create that characteristic loop-shaped shadow.

2. Adjust the height

The second step to using loop lighting is to adjust the height of your light source. If you want to create a more defined loop, you'll want to position the light source slightly above the subject's eye level. I suggest experimenting with the height so you can get the desired effect.

3. Head position of subject

The third step to using loop lighting is to consider the head position of your subject. When using loop lighting, it's best to have your subject turn their face ever so slightly away from the camera so the light can cast a shadow from the nose.

The turn should be very subtle; think only 5 degrees. You just want to avoid having the subject face straight onto the camera, or the shadow might not be as effective.

4. Fill light

The fourth step in using loop lighting is considering a fill light.

If you want to reduce the contrast between the shadowed and illuminated areas on your subject's face, you'll want to use a fill light on the opposite side of your main light source. I recommend your fill light be another soft light source. This will create less of a dramatic lighting effect and more of a balanced portrait.

5. Light intensity and modifiers

The fifth step is to consider adjusting your light intensity or using modifiers.

Adjusting your light intensity will determine the hardness or softness of your shadows. Using less light intensity will create a smoother transition between light and shadow and vice versa. If you use a modifier like a diffuser, grid, or softbox, then you can also control the intensity and quality of light to choose the effect that suits your vision.

6. Background and composition

The sixth step to using loop lighting is to consider the background and composition of your image.

Speaking from experience, you can have your lighting setup perfectly, but if you have a background that is busy or doesn't complement your subject, then the whole image will be ruined. With that being said, pay attention to the background of your scene to make sure it complements your subject.

I recommend using a background that is an analogous or complementary color to your subject's clothing, eye color, or hair. I also recommend checking out some of the best headshot background ideas.

For example, in this image, you can see her eyes are blue, so the blue background matches this image well. She is also wearing something that has an orange hue to it, so the blue background is a nice complementary color.

7. Experiment with ratios

The seventh step to use loop lighting is to experiment with lighting ratios.

A lighting ratio is the power of your main light source (key light) compared to your fill light. Using a higher ratio will result in a more pronounced shadow, while a lower ratio will create a softer look. It's up to you what lighting ratio you want to use based on the mood you want to portray in your image.

8. Use a reflector

The eighth step in using loop lighting is to use a reflector.

Going back to the step of using a fill light, if you don't have a dedicated fill light, then you can use a white reflector on the shadowed side of your subject's face. This will allow you to bounce some of the main light back onto their face and reduce those harsh shadows -- all without using an actual light source!

9. Practice and adjust

The ninth step to using loop lighting is to practice and adjust.

Just like any other lighting technique, loop lighting will take some practice and experimentation to master. I recommend you practice first with friends and family, take lots of test shots, and then review how they look after processing. Figure out what looks good and what doesn't, and then adjust until you achieve your desired results!

Who uses loop lighting photography techniques?

Portrait photographers, both amateur and professional, are particularly fond of using loop lighting techniques.

Not only do portrait photographers use this technique, but it's also popular among photographers who work with round or oval-faced subjects. Just like how a sculptor uses light to shape their artwork, photographers use loop lighting to strategically illuminate their subjects, bringing depth and dimension to the face by casting a pleasing shadow to one side.

It serves as a beautiful sauce, adding extra flavor to a dish. Those new to photography often dabble with loop lighting as a starting point. It's like learning how to ride a bike. The first few times might seem a little challenging, but with practice comes ease and precision.

Before long, you not only know how to ride, but you can customize your ride and add some twists and turns here and there. This is what happens when you get comfortable with loop lighting techniques. With one light and modifiers like umbrellas and softboxes, you can create different atmospheres – much like the changing colors of a sunset.

By adding a reflector or a second light source, you can soften the shadows, just as adding milk to coffee creates a lighter, creamier drink. This allows you to control the overall balance, ensuring your subject is evenly lit and looks natural, much like an award-winning barista crafting the perfect cup of joe.

Where can loop lighting photography be applied?

Where can loop lighting photography be applied? you may ask. This is a good question, and the answer is that it's surprisingly versatile!

Picture this: you're at an indoor family gathering, and you notice how the lights interact with everyone's faces, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.

That's one place where loop lighting can come into play. With its special technique of positioning the key light source at a 30-45 degree angle and just above the subject's eye level, you can create that small, characteristic shadow on the side of the nose. Now, let's think about a different setting. Imagine you're outside on a sunny day, photographing a group of friends.

Even there, loop lighting can be applied. Simply use a reflector, and voila - you've managed to recreate loop lighting even in different lighting conditions. It's like playing with light and shadow, creating a game of contrasts wherever you are.

Loop lighting really remains a popular choice in many fields due to its versatility. From portrait photography or group shots to even product or food photography, with the help of various light modifiers such as umbrellas or softboxes, you can create different moods and emotions.

Just like switching from painting with a thick brush to using a finer one to express different things. Remember, the key with loop lighting, as with any other technique, is to get your hands dirty and experiment to understand its effects fully.

Look out for opportunities to practice, whether you're snapping food photos in your kitchen or capturing the charm of your cat lounging in the sun.

Why is loop lighting popular?

Loop lighting is beloved by portrait photographers everywhere for various reasons; let's break it down together.

1. Gives a vibrant, lively appearance

First, consider the positioning of the key light source. It's at a 30-45 degree angle from the camera and just a touch above the subject's eye level.

It's like when you're outdoors on a sunny day, around late morning, when the sun isn't directly overhead but slightly to one side and a bit higher. Just as this natural setting often gives people a vibrant, lively appearance, the same principle applies to loop lighting.

2. Adds depth

Second, let's talk about that characteristic small shadow, the namesake loop, which forms on the opposite side of the nose.

It's akin to an artist's deft brushstroke that adds dimension to their canvas, except the canvas is the subject's face. This loop lends depth, helping to define facial features especially well on round or oval-shaped faces. It's like having a built-in method to make your subject's face look more three-dimensional and, hence, more engaging.

3. Simple setup

Additionally, achieving loop lighting doesn't demand a complex setup. You can get started with only one source of light.

Imagine it as a minimalist cook who uses just a few terrific ingredients to whip up a delicious meal. Different modifiers like umbrellas and softboxes are your seasonings that tweak the overall effect and taste of the final dish.

But if you realize the shadow is a tad too bold for your liking, you can simply soften it. Adding a reflector or second light source effectively reduces the shadow, achieving a more subtle and evenly-lit look.

It's like adding milk to your strongly brewed coffee to soften the flavor while keeping its essential character. Now, you may ask - isn't this technique suited only to certain conditions? The beauty of loop lighting lies in its versatility.

It can be tweaked to different settings and lighting conditions with ease, making it an adaptable tool in a photographer's arsenal, like a Swiss Army Knife.

So, in summary, why is loop lighting popular?

Its blend of positioning, unique dimensional effect, ease of setting it up, versatility, and the potential for personalized tweaking make it a go-to method for many photographers.