Explore Sunlit Subjects with Chiaroscuro Lighting

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a photo contest focused on the theme of chiaroscuro lighting, specifically contrasting brightly lit subjects against dark backgrounds. Participants explore the concept of Rembrandt lighting and its application in photography, while debating the appropriateness of submitted examples.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants define chiaroscuro as a contrast between light and dark, with Rembrandt lighting being a specific technique involving human faces.
  • One participant questions the requirement of professional lighting rigs for the contest, suggesting that natural light can suffice.
  • Another participant argues that none of the submitted photos demonstrate Rembrandt lighting, emphasizing that it requires a human face.
  • There is a discussion about the technical aspects of Rembrandt lighting, including the placement of key and fill lights to create specific light patterns on the subject's face.
  • Some participants express frustration over the interpretation of the contest rules, asserting that the theme is broader than just Rembrandt lighting.
  • One participant shares their experience with visual arts and art history, arguing that chiaroscuro is a broader style than just Rembrandt lighting.
  • There are multiple references to the perceived seriousness of the discussion, with calls for a more relaxed approach to the contest.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition and application of Rembrandt lighting, with some insisting on its specific requirements while others advocate for a broader interpretation of the contest theme. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the appropriateness of submitted examples and the contest rules.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions about the definitions of chiaroscuro and Rembrandt lighting, as well as the expectations for contest entries. Some participants challenge the relevance of certain examples based on their understanding of the lighting techniques.

Andre
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In the new photo contest the subject is

Chiaroscuro (italian) is a term in art for a contrast between light and dark. An another form is Rembrandt lighting. So this week, it is about the nicest picture of any brightly lit subject against a dark background.

So that elicited this comment:

junglebeast said:
Rembrandt lighting, eh? So photo tweaking is not allowed, but professional photography lighting rigs are recommended for entry?

...

So I like to answer to that with a few examples of Rembrandt lighting with an unprofessional onmipresent lighting rig, the sun. Now which one should I select?

23veqh4.jpg


34g7xg1.jpg


jpc3md.jpg


ejd7og.jpg


15gqbzq.jpg

(ok this one required a modest fill in flash)

10dijqt.jpg
 
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Andre said:
In the new photo contest the subject is



So that elicited this comment:



So I like to answer to that with a few examples of Rembrandt lighting with an unprofessional onmipresent lighting rig, the sun. Now which one should I select?

23veqh4.jpg


34g7xg1.jpg


jpc3md.jpg


ejd7og.jpg


15gqbzq.jpg

(ok this one required a modest fill in flash)

10dijqt.jpg

I think the dandelion picture is gorgeous.. I'd vote for that one. Good quality, good composition.

I like the squirrel monkey too though haha But that's just because I like them :) The lighting is really good on the fur too.. it's a great pic.

So I'd say one of those two.. but that's just my 2 cents
 
None of these pictures shows Rembrandt lighting in any way -- Rembrandt lighting requires a human face.

It seems that you're just trying to pre-select your competition photo to increase your own odds of winning...

- Warren
 
The question was not Rembrandt lighting but:

the nicest picture of any brightly lit subject against a dark background.

But the message is clear. I will not enter anything in the contest.
 
Andre said:
The question was not Rembrandt lighting but

I'm just pointing out that you posted a few examples of Rembrandt lighting, yet none of your pictures show Rembrandt lighting.

For the record, you don't need professional lighting equipment to produce Rembrandt lighting. All you need to do is drape a bed sheet over a window and spend a few minutes posing your subject.

- Warren
 
Rembrandt lighting:

"The key light is placed high and to one side at the front, and the fill light or a reflector is placed half-height and on the other side at the front, set to about half the power of the key light, with the subject, if facing at an angle to the camera, with the key light illuminating the far side of the face. The key in Rembrandt lighting is creating the triangle or diamond shape of light underneath the eye...The triangle should be no longer than the nose and no wider than the eye"

I have a really cool picture of myself using Rembrandt lighting, but it was taken professionally and is not something I could emulate without having the reflector and lighting rigs.

And Andre -- stop taking things so seriously.
 
chroot said:
...Rembrandt lighting requires a human face.

Like this?

rembrandt007.jpg

source

Now where is the bedsheet over the window here?
 
I'm not sure what point you are trying to make as that Rembrandt painting is clearly not an example of Rembrandt lighting.
 
Rembrandt did not always use "Rembrandt lighting" in his paintings. Rembrandt lighting is a style of portraiture -- of the human face -- which Rembrandt often employed.

It is defined by the high key light and the resulting triangle of light on the opposite cheek.

Your own link to Wikipedia explains it well. Have you read it?

- Warren
 
  • #10
chroot said:
Rembrandt did not always use "Rembrandt lighting" in his paintings. Rembrandt lighting is a style of portraiture -- of the human face -- which Rembrandt often employed.

It is defined by the high key light and the resulting triangle of light on the opposite cheek.

Your own link to Wikipedia explains it well. Have you read it?

- Warren

Rembrandt is known for his USE OF LIGHT in paintings. Not for 'Rembrandt lighting', that came after as an effect used in portraits... they named it after him because this style makes objects seem very deep and and natural by using light, which he was a master of. Regardless this form of lighting is done in portraits. Chiaroscuro however is just a style which uses contrasts of light/dark in any type of image.

Know all of this from taking 4 years of visual art courses and 2 art history courses :P
 
  • #11
How can you make a war out of nothing. :frown:
 
  • #12
junglebeast said:
I'm not sure what point you are trying to make as that Rembrandt painting is clearly not an example of Rembrandt lighting.

So how about your entry in the contest?
 
  • #13
Andre said:
So how about your entry in the contest?

What about it? The topic said Chiaroscuro, not Rembrandt lighting.

Also, what about this?

And Andre -- stop taking things so seriously.

This game is only getting less fun due to all the bickering and nonsensical rules.
 

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