THE ART OF ONE LIGHT PORTRAITS: HOW TO CREATE STUNNING IMAGES WHIT SIMPLICITY.

When it comes to portrait photography, you don’t need a full studio packed with lights to create beautiful, professional results. In fact, some of the most powerful portraits are created with just one light. Working with a single light source allows you to simplify your setup, focus on your subject, and truly understand how light shapes emotion, depth, and mood in your images.

Why One Light Is Enough?

Many photographers think they need multiple lights, reflectors, and modifiers to get professional results. But one light — placed intentionally — can create drama, softness, or even mimic natural daylight. Think about the sun: it’s just one light source, yet it gives us countless moods and looks throughout the day — from the soft glow of dawn, to the harsh midday contrast, to the golden tones of sunset. In the same way, mastering a single light source gives you endless possibilities. Once you understand how to shape and control it, one light is all you need to create portraits that are dynamic, emotional, and professional.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE MOST FAMOUS ONE LIGHT SET-UP: THE REMBRANDT LIGHT

Rembrandt lighting is one of the most recognizable and timeless portrait setups.
Where does it come from?
The style is named after Rembrandt van Rijn, the 17th-century ,Dutch painter and master of light and shadow. In many of his self-portraits, you’ll notice this exact effect — a natural triangle of light beneath one eye, created by the way sunlight filtered through a window in his studio. Unlike the evenly lit portraits common in his era, Rembrandt embraced contrast and depth, giving his subjects a sense of drama, realism, and soul.
Photographers later adopted the technique, realizing it was not only beautiful but also practical: with a single light source (or even just a window), you can sculpt the face to create mood and dimension. Today, it remains one of the most powerful one-light setups because it balances drama with naturalism — perfect for both fine art and professional branding portraits.
HOW TO ACHIEVE THE REMBRANDT LIGHT .
To achieve it, it is very symple!
What you have to do is place your light at about a 45-degree angle to your subject and slightly above eye level.

The Subject: Facing slightly away from the camera (around 30–45° angle).

Key Light:
- Positioned high and to the side of the subject (usually 45° from the camera).
- Create a small triangle of light under the far eye (the one away from the light).
- Use a softbox or umbrella for diffused light.
Background: Can be dark or light, depending on mood , make the subject a little far to create more dramatic effect.

Here an exemple .

Rembrandt Diagram — Rembrandt Studio light

In this black and white portrait, I used one strobe light positioned at a 45-degree angle to the left with a small softbox, creating a dramatic effect on the portrait.

The backdrop was a cream wall at my studio.

I then converted the photo to black and white to enhance the mood and emphasize the shadows even more.

This is a perfect example of a simple Rembrandt light.

LOOPING LIGHT

Looping light is similar to Rembrandt, but with a softer effect. Move your light slightly closer to the camera so the shadow of the nose creates a gentle “loop” rather than a deep shadow. Perfect for flattering Portraits.

If you prefer softer shadows, add a reflector to the opposite side of your model for fill light. The closer the reflector, the more the softer the shadows.

Hear a diagram example of the Looping light.

Hear a clear example of the Looping light portrait took at my studio in West Hollywood .

I used a brown background , one light and one reflector.

(Portraits of actor Enrique Arce)

When you use this light the face it comes alive, full of drama, full of soul. It is-a not just light, it is-a story, it is-a feeling. You try, you play, you look… and suddenly, your portrait, it sings! Capito? So, go ahead, have fun, and let-a the light do its dance!

Do you have some questions? Let’s get in contact!