Clamshell lighting

A beauty lighting setup with one light above the face, angled down, and a second light or reflector below, angled up. Together they open like a clamshell around the face.

The lower light fills shadows under the eyes and chin, so the skin looks smooth and even. It is a variation of butterfly lighting and is common in beauty and fashion portraits.

Martin Kaninsky

Martin is the creator of About Photography Blog. With over 15 years of experience as a practicing photographer, Martin’s approach focuses on photography as an art form, emphasizing the stories behind the images rather than concentrating on gear.

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Broad lighting

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Loop lighting