The Slanted Lens

Tutorials, Reviews and Tips for Photographers & Filmmakers

PHOTO & VIDEO TUTORIALS & REVIEWS

Online Courses, Giveaway, Mentoring,

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

  • Online Courses
  • Mentoring
  • Giveaway
  • About
  • Members
  • Newsletter Sign-Up
Home / Lighting Tutorials / Creating a Low Key Portrait Using Rembrandt Lighting

Creating a Low Key Portrait Using Rembrandt Lighting

September 21, 2017 By Morgan

Previously on The Slanted Lens, we discussed how to light a high key set. Today we are talking about how to properly light a low key set when shooting portraits. We’ve got a dog and a chicken, so you don’t want to miss it!

Definition of a Low-Key Portrait

A Low Key Portrait contains a lot of dark tones and shadows. It is also very characteristic of these low key portraits to have high contrast, such as Rembrandt lighting, which evokes a sense of drama or tension.

Setting Up Rembrandt Lighting

One crucial element on a dark, low key set like this is rim lights. You need to make sure that you create some separation between your subject and the background. I placed rim lights on both sides of the camera to ensure that this happens. Remember, you don’t need this rim light to be too bright! Keep them very subtle, but make sure you always outline your subject.

You can then add a gridded Octodome to the center of your set, above your subject’s head to ensure that you get just a little bit of glow in the middle of your shot and maybe slightly into the background as well. Because I was shooting 2 subjects and the Octodome was favoring Jamie slightly, I decided to add another small grid to Marisa’s face so that they were evenly lit. This also ensures that we get the strong Rembrandt we are looking for.

What is Rembrandt Lighting?

Just to clarify, Rembrandt lighting is a strong profiled portrait style that uses a butterfly light to softly light one half of the face and leaves high contrast shadows where the light does not fall.

Lighting Change from Group Shot to Individual Shot

As you can see below, the lighting we chose differed greatly from group to individual shot. The group shots are much more open, but as you get into individual shots you want to make sure that strong Rembrandt really comes out. In order to really show that Rembrandt, you need to position your key light, in this case the gridded Octodome, directly facing your subject.

Let me know how you are shooting Rembrandts or any other low key sets!

Keep those cameras rollin’ and keep on clickin’!

-Jay P.

 

Filed Under: Lighting Tutorials, Portraits, Uncategorized

About Morgan

With more than two decades of experience Jay P. Morgan brings to his commercial studio two special qualities: a keen appreciation of the bizarre and a knack for flawlessly executing elaborate shots. Through The Slanted Lens, Jay P. shares his knowledge about photography and videography.

Tamron’s Mother’s Day Gift Options!

Tamron Has Great Mother's Day Gift Options!

Check out Tamron's All-in-one Zoom Lenses Mom Will Love! Click on the image above to find out more!

Our Sponsors

Shop Our Affiliate Links

Categories

  • A I in Photography
  • Advanced Lighting Tutorials
  • Architectural Photography
  • Beginning Lighting Tutorials
  • Behind the Scenes
  • Business Tips
  • Camera Comparison
  • Camera News
  • Camera Review
  • Camera Settings
  • Camera Settings & Lens Choice
  • Celebrity
  • DIY
  • Equipment
  • Film Photography
  • Foto of the Week
  • Funny photo
  • Gear Sweepstakes
  • Intermediate Lighting Tutorials
  • Intervention
  • Jay P's Shorts
  • Landscape
  • Laws of Light
  • Lens Comparison
  • Lens Review
  • lighting diagram
  • Lighting Tutorials
  • Making Money In Photography
  • Meet the Photographer
  • Photography & Video Articles
  • Photography & Video Business Tips
  • Photography & Video Lighting Articles
  • Photography News
  • Photography Tutorial
  • Portraits
  • Posts
  • Product Photography
  • Product Review
  • Quick Tip
  • Special Effects for Photo and Video
  • Speedlight Basics
  • sponsor
  • Stop Motion Photography
  • Street Photography
  • test
  • Time-lapse
  • Travel Photography
  • Trends
  • Uncategorized
  • Videography
  • Wedding Photography
  • Workflow
  • Working with Talent

Thanks for your support. When you click on a logo or link you help support The Slanted Lens. Some links shared on our website may be associated with sponsors or affiliate programs where we benefit from a commission.

The Slanted Lens Copyright © 2025