Light is the backbone of photography—it’s what makes an image possible! Whether natural or artificial, light shapes the mood, clarity, and emotion of a photograph.

Mastering light means mastering photography! If you want to dive deeper, check out this useful guide on different lighting techniques.

During my research, I found many more types of photography lighting than I was aware of!

Here is a list of differing lighting types and links to some YouTube videos you may find useful:

• Natural Light: Sunlight, moonlight, or any light that isn’t artificially created.
• Here is a short video link on how to use natural lighting in your photography: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD5CPDPQoiM

• Soft Light: Creates a gentle, flattering effect, often used in portraits.
• Hard Light: Produces strong shadows and contrast, great for dramatic shots.
• Here is a link to the differences between soft and hard light: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZQAdynpBEo

• Backlight: Illuminates the subject from behind, often creating silhouettes.
• Here is a link to backlighting in Photography: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqMyS62D_BI

• Rembrandt Lighting: A classic portrait lighting technique that adds depth and dimension.
• Here is a short video on Rembrandt Lighting in Photogra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8hoGI2q34Q

• Split Lighting: Divides the subject’s face into light and shadow for a striking effect.
• Here is a short video on Split Lighting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guTQk6nnuxY

• Front Light (Flat Light): Occurs when the light is drirectly in front of the subject Here is a link that will explain front lighting vs back lighting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNdQ3dZ1FXY

• Rim Light: Rim lighting is created by using a form of backlighting, where the light is at an angle from behind or above the subject

Here is a short video on creating rim lighting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkMaXE7Ydng

• Loop Lighting: It is used mainly in portrait photography. The name refers to a loop of shadow from the nose on the check.

Here is a video explaining Loop Lighting and how to use it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS1kbNLARoY

• Broad Lighting: It is a type of side lighting where the where the side of the subject is closest to the camera is lit and the side farther away is in shadow.
• Short Lighting: It is the exact opposite of broad lighting.

Here is a video explaining Broad and Short Lighting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQrNHLJhl_M

• Butterfly Lighting: Mostly used in glamour shots and headshots.

A short tutorial on using Butterfly Lighting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbfN5to0vFo

Let me know in the comments if this information was useful. Again, thanks for taking the time to explore this blog post.