Portrait Photography Using Two Light Sources

By WhiteWall expert Jan-Ole Schmidt

The quality of a portrait is largely determined by the right lighting. It becomes particularly interesting when two light sources are used—whether artificial light, natural light, or a combination of both. Each of these setups offers different creative possibilities for showing the subject in the best light. However, important technical aspects must be considered to achieve a harmonious result.

Two artificial light sources for precise control

The use of two artificial light sources in portrait photography is a classic method for illuminating the subject in a targeted and controlled manner. Artificial light has the advantage that its intensity, direction, and color temperature can be flexibly adjusted. In a studio or other controlled environment, this allows the photographer to design the lighting as desired without being dependent on external factors such as the weather or the time of day.

When using two artificial light sources, one light source is often designated as the key light, while the second is used as a fill light. The key light illuminates the main areas of the face, while the fill light is used to control the shaping of the shadow areas.

The ideal balance between key light and fill light

A crucial aspect when working with two light sources is achieving the right balance between key light and fill light. The two light sources should be coordinated so that the key light takes on the dominant role, while the fill light serves only to support it, without completely eliminating the shadows.

The key light should always be slightly stronger than the fill light to maintain a certain three-dimensionality in the model’s face. Over-filling the shadows can make the portrait appear flat and two-dimensional. Therefore, it is important to precisely control the intensities of the two light sources. This can be done either by adjusting the light output or by using diffusers and reflectors to soften the light accordingly.

Finding the right light balance requires a delicate touch, as even small changes in light intensity can affect the entire image. Through targeted adjustments, you can create the desired mood in the image—from soft and harmonious to dramatic and high-contrast.

Creative Lighting Setups with Two Artificial Light Sources

Using two artificial light sources offers many creative possibilities for customizing portraits. In addition to the classic method of using the main light as a primary light source ( ) and the fill light to brighten the shadows, experimental lighting setups can also be used to achieve special effects. Here are some interesting and frequently used variations:

1. Rembrandt lighting with fill light

Rembrandt lighting is a classic technique in which the main light is positioned at a 45-degree angle to the model to create a characteristic triangular light patch under the eye on the shadow side of the face. In this variation, the second light is used as a fill light to brighten the shadows and reduce contrast without losing the dramatic effect of the Rembrandt technique. The fill light is usually placed on the opposite side and set to a slightly lower intensity.

Creative advantage:

By combining a strong main light with a soft fill light, the classic Rembrandt effect can be refined without completely losing the distinctive shadows.

2. High-key portrait with two soft light sources

A high-key setup produces very even and bright lighting that allows for almost no shadows. Here, two soft artificial light sources are used, such as two flash units or continuous LED lights with softboxes or diffusers, which evenly illuminate the face from both sides. Both light sources are set to the same intensity and are often arranged symmetrically to create a clear, bright atmosphere.

Creative advantage:

High-key portraits appear friendly, carefree, and radiant. This technique is frequently used in fashion photography or for cheerful, optimistic subjects.

3. Butterfly Lighting with Hair Light

With butterfly lighting, the main light source is positioned directly in front of the model, slightly above eye level, to create a butterfly-shaped shadow under the nose. A hair light can be used as a second light source, directed from behind or above onto the model’s hair. This light emphasizes the contours and adds depth to the image.

Creative advantage:

The butterfly light creates soft, flattering shadows on the face, while the hair light subtly sets the model apart from the background and adds a touch of glamour.

4. Combination of side light and edge light

In this setup, the main light is directed at the model from the side, creating strong shadows on the opposite side. The second light, the edge light, is positioned behind the model and illuminates the edges of the face or body contours to visually separate the model from the background. This technique is often used to create dramatic, high-contrast portraits.

Creative advantage:

Edge lighting emphasizes the contours of the face or hair and lends the portrait depth and drama. Particularly suitable for dark, intense portraits.

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5. Lighting Setup with Color Filters (Gels)

For creative portrait photography with color accents, two light sources with different color filters can be used. One artificial light illuminates the subject in a specific color, while the second light casts a different color onto the background or the subject’s shadow areas. Combining the two colors creates a vibrant, eye-catching image that is particularly well-suited for artistic or experimental portraits.

Creative advantage:

Colored lighting effects create visual depth and lend the portrait an emotional and expressive dimension that depends heavily on the chosen color combination.

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6. Split Lighting with Backlight

With split lighting, the main light is positioned at a 90-degree angle to the camera to illuminate one half of the model’s face, while the other half remains in shadow. The second light is positioned behind the model and illuminates the background to make the model stand out from the background.

Creative advantage:

This lighting setup creates a strong contrast effect that lends drama to the portrait. The backlighting prevents the model from “disappearing” into the darkness and creates an interesting lighting effect behind the model.

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7. Low-key portrait with spot and fill light

In low-key photography, the subject is depicted primarily in dark tones with targeted highlights. A strongly directed spotlight illuminates only part of the face or body, while a second light source acts as soft fill light, subtly brightening the shadowed areas without disrupting the dramatic interplay of light.

Creative advantage:

This technique creates an intense, mysterious portrait with a strong emphasis on light and shadow. It is particularly well-suited for atmospheric and emotional shots.

8. Cross Lighting

This technique uses two light sources from opposite directions. The first light is directed at one side of the face, while the second light comes from the opposite side and slightly further back. This creates interesting shadows and reflections that make the face appear more three-dimensional.

Creative advantage:

Cross lighting creates deep, sculptural portraits with intense light and shadow effects. The texture of the face and hair is emphasized, lending the image a special dramatic quality.

Symmetry and Asymmetry in Lighting

In portrait photography, the symmetry of the light sources plays an important role. Symmetrical lighting setups, in which both light sources are positioned at the same distance and angle from the subject, result in even and neutral illumination of the face. This technique is particularly suitable for portraits where strong shadows or contrasts are not desired and the subject should be rendered as neutrally as possible.

Asymmetrical lighting setups, on the other hand, rely on different angles and intensities of the light sources. This allows for a more dramatic lighting design, in which one side of the face is more strongly illuminated, while the other side remains in shadow or is lit only by a soft light source. This technique creates a dynamic and three-dimensional effect and is frequently used in artistic portrait photography.

The Combination of Artificial Light and Daylight

In addition to working with two artificial light sources, there are also setups that combine artificial and natural light. This method is frequently used in rooms with large windows or for outdoor shots where natural light serves as one of the main light sources. Combining natural and artificial light presents a particular challenge, as the characteristics of the two light sources are very different.

Daylight varies greatly in intensity and color temperature throughout the day. While it is warm and soft in the early morning and late afternoon, it becomes harsher and cooler around noon. Artificial light, on the other hand, can be kept constant in intensity and color temperature. In this case, artificial light is used to supplement daylight or to brighten specific facial features that are not sufficiently illuminated by daylight.

A typical approach to combining daylight and artificial light involves using daylight as the main light source, while artificial light is used to brighten shadows. This can be very useful, for example, when working in harsh midday light or when the sun is low in the morning or evening and is used as backlighting. An important aspect here is adjusting the color temperatures. While many flash units and LED continuous lights operate at a fixed color temperature of around 5,500 Kelvin—which roughly corresponds to the color temperature of cool daylight—the color temperature of sunlight changes throughout the day. When combining daylight and artificial light, this can result in warm sunlight meeting rather cool flashor continuous light. To achieve a harmonious overall effect, the color temperature of the artificial light must be adjusted—either using color gels or, in the case of a bi-color continuous light with variable color temperature, by adjusting the LED light.

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The use of reflectors and diffusers

With the help of reflectors and diffusers, artificial and natural light can be further directed or their intensity reduced. Reflectors can be useful, for example, when the sun is used as backlighting and an artificial light source as fill light. Depending on the position of the artificial light source, shadows may form on the model’s face, which can be brightened using a reflector.

Diffusers, on the other hand, help soften light sources by evenly scattering their light. This can be particularly important in direct sunlight, as harsh light often causes unwanted shadows and highlights on the model’s face . Using a diffuser distributes the light more evenly, resulting in softer and more flattering lighting.

The Influence of Light on the Mood of the Image

Light has not only a technical but also an emotional impact on the portrait. The choice of light sources and their positioning significantly determine the mood of the image. Soft, diffused light creates a gentle, soothing atmosphere, while harsh light with strong shadows tends to have a dramatic effect.

Two light sources offer a wide range of possibilities for creating different moods. Artificial light can be used as targeted accent lighting to dramatically highlight the face, while daylight provides natural, soft ambient lighting. Depending on the light source, intensity, color temperature, and distance from the subject, combining two light sources allows you to create different lighting moods within a single image, thereby enhancing the emotional impact of the portrait.

Conclusion:

The use of two light sources in portrait photography—whether in the form of two artificial light sources or in combination with daylight—offers a multitude of creative possibilities. However, both require a keen sense of lighting direction and the necessary balance. Artificial light offers control and precision, while daylight brings a natural atmosphere to the image. Proper coordination of the light sources and the strategic use of reflectors, diffusers, and light modifiers are crucial to achieving the desired result. Once you have mastered the techniques of light balance and lighting direction, you will be able to create unique portraits with depth and expressiveness that captivate the viewer.