If the age of windshield selfies, my Detroit area clients occasionally ask why one side of their face is darker in their headshot proofs. So I made a video that explains why shadows are key part of the best portraiture!

Rembrandt Light on a Headshot

If you took an art history class, you might’ve heard about the painter, Rembrandt. These days his staying power comes from the term Rembrandt lighting, which basically refers to that little triangle of light underneath the eye on the darker side of the face.

The variations are many, but once you start looking, you’ll see this setup all over the place - wherever people are photographed (or filmed). The fact is that it makes for much more interesting portrait. Shadows create depth, interest and engagement in a face!

Remember, we’re used to driveway selfies, not professionally lit portraits. So you’ll look different than you might expect, but so much better. Whether you’re working with me here in Detroit, or anywhere in the world, let your photographer know you’re happy to let them experiment with some more dramatic light—you just might love the results!

And if you really want to be daring, post one to your LinkedIn profile. Your followers will take notice.

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