5 Lighting Patterns Every Photographer Should Learn!

Dive into the world of portrait lighting with Pye Jirsa, talented photography educator, as he unravels the setups behind the five primary lighting patterns in our latest MagMod YouTube video.

This comprehensive tutorial isn't just about mastering techniques; it's about understanding the storytelling depth each pattern can add to your portraits, from the flattering effects of flat lighting to the dramatic shadows cast by split lighting.

The different lighting patterns discussed include flat, butterfly (or paramount), loop, Rembrandt, and split lighting. Whether you're wielding a Canon, Nikon, Sony or any camera of your choice, coupled with our game-changing MagMod Pro 42 Octa, this video is your ticket to elevating your photography game.

Pye demystifies each lighting setup with practical demonstrations, ensuring you grasp the nuances of short vs. broad lighting, and how these techniques can slim or broaden your subject's appearance. Ever wondered why Rembrandt lighting is the go-to for drama and depth? Or how to achieve that iconic shadow under the nose with butterfly lighting? This video covers it all, including why certain lighting patterns work better for different scenarios, from edgy fashion shoots to soft, elegant wedding portraits.

We're also giving away a free downloadable lighting guide, created by Trevor Dayley and Pye Jirsa, packed with tips, tricks, and lighting patterns to inspire your next shoot.

Get the Free Lighting Guide with MagMod/SLR Lounge

And remember, MagMod isn't just about top-notch photography gear; we're a community. Join us on Facebook to share your images, seek advice, and grow alongside fellow photography enthusiasts. You can find us by searching MagMod Community on Facebook or following our Instagram account.

Subscribe to the MagMod channel for more tutorials like this one, and don't hesitate to drop your comments below.

Shoutout to our model: Kiara Zayas - @IamKiaraZayas

00:00 Intro
01:27 Flat Lighting
02:50 Butterfly / Paramount Lighting
04:00 Loop Lighting
05:04 Rembrandt Lighting
06:40 Short vs Broad Lighting
08:36 Split Lighting
10:24 One Last Tip
11:14 Wrap Up
11:33 Free Lighting Guide

Gear Used:
MagBox Pro 42" Octa:

[JBanksPhotography]

This has to be the most clear to the point informative video on lighting patterns I have seen yet. Great job man! More more more!

[roccoroselli]

Pye Jirsa is probably thee best photographer teacher I have come across

[ravimathew]

This is how photographic tutorials should be taught. Thank you very much.🙏

[davidnewton]

Pye's very soft and low key approach to teaching makes it so enjoyable to watch.

[upekshagunawardena]

Best lighting tutorial I have seen and I absolutely love the way you teach Pye. I always learn a lot from your videos.

[s.j.stuart]

I've seen a LOT of people attempt to explain lighting patterns...
Seriously... A LOT!

On YouTube, at photography trade shows, even a professor teaching photography at a university a lifetime ago.

Not one of them managed to explain the subject as clearly and without the use of (very poor) metaphors!

Well done, this was a perfect teaching video, and I've been able to send this as a resource for people asking me questions about lighting patterns.

[iterogbaadewale]

Ever since i started following you as a tutor, my skill as a creative has greatly increased

[MH_]

Pye Jirsa is an outstanding teacher, so I’m here for all the content. Whether it’s something I already know or not. Still going to stay tuned.

[jesusroman]

Pye is a master teacher. Clear. Consice. If Pye is on watch, learn and practice it.

[cotillion]

Brilliant. Learnt more in 12mins than what seems an eternity browsing YouTube.

[brianrowland]

Great clear and concise tutorial on lighting.
Love the fact that u don’t need a complicated multi light set up to get great results.
Pity pro photo is so expensive!
Subscribed!

[pggles]

Pye and Kiara are the best team for photography! KEEP THESE TWO COMING BACK! I NEED MORE!

[nazfenix]

I LOVE THE WAY HE MAKES EVERYTHING EASIER TO LEARN!

[judithbrowning]

This tutorial is perfect for explaining the different lighting techniques.

[thetolulopeemmanuel]

This is absolutely clear and straightforward. Thanks you.

[nevvanclarke]

As a beginner in the using light set up I really found this useful thank you. I will be watching plenty of other videos. I like the simplicity of the way you explained it too. Many YouTubers talk too fast and move onto the next thing you took your time explaining each one when you are doing a video, many brains cannot comprehend what's being said if you just move onto quickly he gives us time to watch and observe and you showed an image after each time. Thank you so much for the way you explained it given that many people also will be newbies to the light sourcing stuff. I think this is really good.

[eddieteabagify]

great overview. I just bought a mannequin and will start working on my lighting skills this week. This is perfect!

[rolo]

I TRULY ENJOY PYE AND KIARA. PYE IV’E BEEN FOLLOWING YOU FROM DAY ONE AND YOUR ONE YOU ARE THE MOST WELL ROUNDED AND AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHER ON YOUTUBE, AND BELIEVE ME… I FOLLOW A LOT OF FANTASTIC PHOTOGRAPHS HERE ON YOUTUBE. KIARA SUPER DOPE AS WELL. KEEP UP ALL OF THE AMAZING WORK PYE AND KIARA!

[gvasquez]

Simple, descriptive to the point and why each works the way they do. Thanks to you and the lovely Boricua!

[ggarciacota]

Awesome video and explanation Pye! Thank you for sharing. Great job Kiara on the posing.