The Old Masters
The Old Masters like Johannes Vermeer and Vincent van Gogh offer timeless inspiration for lighting techniques, each bringing unique approaches to their art that translate beautifully into modern portrait photography.
Vermeer’s Approach: Soft, Diffused Lighting with Natural Shadows
Vermeer is known for his mastery of chiaroscuro, a technique that creates striking contrasts between light and shadow. In photography, we can replicate Vermeer’s approach using a single light source, such as a softbox or window light, positioned at a 45-degree angle to the subject. This placement mimics the soft, diffused lighting seen in Vermeer’s iconic paintings like Girl with a Pearl Earring. This method allows for a gentle transition from light to shadow, emphasizing the subject’s facial features while preserving natural highlights.
To capture the essence of Vermeer’s lighting:
- Light Placement: Position a single soft light to one side, at about a 45-degree angle.
- Modifiers: Use a diffuser or reflector to soften harsh shadows.
- Chiaroscuro: Focus on the interplay of light and shadow to create depth and drama.
As seen in Langford's Basic Photography (2010), this method can create a sense of realism and intimacy in portraits, a hallmark of Vermeer’s style.
Van Gogh’s Approach: Bold, Expressive Lighting for Texture
Van Gogh’s art emphasizes strong contrasts and vibrant textures, which can also be applied in portrait photography. In particular, Van Gogh’s use of bold, directional lighting can bring out the intricate details and textures of a subject’s face, adding a unique expressiveness.
To emulate Van Gogh’s approach:
- Light Placement: Use a more direct or side lighting setup, placing the light at an angle that accentuates textures.
- Minimal Fill Light: To create stark contrasts, limit the use of fill light. This technique will emphasize the natural shadows and highlights on the subject’s face.
- Dramatic Effect: Use hard light or a snoot to focus on particular areas of the portrait, leaving the rest in deeper shadow.
As detailed in Light Science & Magic (2012), Van Gogh’s bold use of light in portraits can create powerful, emotional images when translated into photography.
Combining Both Techniques with One Light
The beauty of these techniques lies in their simplicity—both Vermeer’s soft chiaroscuro and Van Gogh’s dramatic lighting can be recreated using just one light source. This minimalist setup can be achieved by controlling the direction, intensity, and modification of the light. Using light strategically allows photographers to capture the mood and emotional depth that both artists expressed in their work.
For Vermeer’s soft and atmospheric feel, focus on diffusion and soft lighting angles. For Van Gogh’s striking textures and contrasts, opt for stronger, more directional lighting.
In both cases, the use of light shapes the emotional tone of the portrait, much as it did in the works of these Old Masters.
- References:
- Langford, Michael, Anna Fox, and Richard Sawdon-Smith. Langford's Basic Photography: The Guide for Serious Photographers. 2010.
- Hunter, Fil, Steven Biver, and Paul Fuqua. Light Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting. 2012.
- Maisel, Jay. Light, Gesture & Color. 2014.
- Knight, Chris. The Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Crafting Light and Shadow. 2017.
By integrating both Vermeer’s soft chiaroscuro and Van Gogh’s expressive, textured lighting, portrait photographers can create captivating, timeless images.
