Production · term
Butterfly lighting
Also known as Paramount lighting, glamour lighting.
A frontal portrait-lighting pattern with the key placed high and near the camera axis, producing a small shadow beneath the nose.
In practice
Height, face angle, fill, lens position, and subject features determine the result. The term describes a facial shadow pattern and should not be confused with a butterfly frame.
Explore related entries
Sources
- Lighting Handbook · ARRI
Educational reference only. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, employer, venue, and production context.