Photography 180 | Ep 5 | Clamshell vs. Butterfly Lighting In-Studio

In this week's episode, I'll show you the difference between a Clamshell and Butterfly lighting setup for in-studio portraits.
Achieving butterfly lighting only requires a single strobe placed on-axis with your camera and above your subject, angled down. The position of this light will create a shadow under your subjects nose that resembles the shape of a butterfly. This type of lighting is best for adding more depth and drama to portraits while providing a relatively even light on your subjects face. Very popular for fashion and portrait photography where the goal is create a more glamorous and classic look.
Clamshell lighting involves a similar setup but with a secondary light source placed below your subject. This can be a reflector (as seen in this video) or a second light. Just be sure if using a second light to keep the power rather low. Strong uplighting will lead to awkward results. With Clamshell lighting we get similar qualities as butterfly but with much more fill light in the shadow areas, specifically under the eyes and chin. This creates a much more softer transition from highlight to shadow. This type of setup is often used in Beauty and portrait photography when a more well-balanced light is desired.
Each setup is great but it is also important to consider who you will be photographing and what look you are after before deciding which one might work best.
I hope this episode has been helpful. As always, please let me know if you have any questions about this topic or this episode.
Also, if you are struggling with anything in particular, feel free to let me know in the comments and I will certainly consider dedicating an episode to that topic.
Thanks for checking out this episode of Photography 180 and be sure to subscribe to the channel so that you can tune in to future episodes.
See you all next week!
0:00 Episode Intro
0:19 Clamshell vs Butterfly Lighting Explained
0:47 First Image using Butterfly Lighting
1:18 Switching to Clamshell Lighting
1:52 Second Image using Clamshell Lighting
2:19 Final Images Side by Side
Website: www.jesserinka.photography
Instagram: / jesse_rinka
The Gear We Use:
Cameras:
Sony A7IV - urlis.net/25ck6a67 - Used to film this episode
Sony A9ii - urlis.net/pjg38vfd
Sony A9
Lenses:
Sigma 14-24mm 2.8 Art - adorama.rfvk.net/9Wd0yQ
Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 Art - adorama.rfvk.net/Xx972M
Sony 28mm f/2 - adorama.evyy.net/NbWr2
Sigma 35mm 1.8 Art - adorama.rfvk.net/VyD72k
Sony 55mm 1.8 - adorama.evyy.net/Nmagq
Sony 85mm 1.8 - adorama.evyy.net/XN56a
Sigma 105mm 2.8 Art - www.adorama.com/sg10528soe.html
Sigma 135mm 1.8 Art - adorama.rfvk.net/5b0o1D
Lighting:
Flashpoint R2 Pro Trigger - adorama.rfvk.net/qeNzY
Flashpoint Zoom Li-On Speedlight - adorama.rfvk.net/2r0ZVG
Flashpoint Xplor 600 - adorama.rfvk.net/Ryd7Ky
Flashpoint Xplor 400 Pro - adorama.rfvk.net/NKy7XN
Flashpoint EVOLV 200 - adorama.evyy.net/EeAMn
Flashpoint EVOLV 100 - adorama.rfvk.net/7m0zdO
Glow EZ-Lock 34" Beauty Dish - adorama.rfvk.net/15PjKx
Glow EZ-Lock 48" Deep Parabolic - adorama.rfvk.net/3PPAWd
GVM 1200D Bi-Color RGB LED - adorama.rfvk.net/Y9DKDq
Aputure Amaran 100x Bi-Color LED - adorama.rfvk.net/B09DQ4
Avenger 40" C-Stand with Boom Arm - adorama.rfvk.net/6e1BK3
V-Flat World Set of 2 - adorama.rfvk.net/R5o4jy
** FOR MAGMOD PURCHASES ENTER CODE MM4THEWIN TO SAVE 5%
MagMod Professional Flash Kit 2 - rb.gy/symen8
MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL - rb.gy/kqozql
MagMod MagSphere 2 - rb.gy/ms3vlw
MagMod MagGrid 2 - rb.gy/4yjhmq

[@rockj8197]

I liked the clamshell better although I thought it was a bit too strong in this case. The gold really packs some punch! I would like to see it with the white reflector and see how much less it fills the shadows. Or do both white and silver and let people see for themselves and pick their preferred look. Nice video!

[@JesseRinkaPhotography]

Appreciate the feedback and thanks for checking out the video! It definitely might be worth it to do a short video showing the differences between the gold, silver and white sides of the curved reflector. I'll add it to my list!

[@miles-thesleeper-monroe8466]

Clamshell or butterfly I was thinking of something completely different 😮

[@nicksmall428]

I wish i had a studio that big for my lighting needs. I literally use a clam shell for portrait shots in my studio. No need for insurance, if the sitter breaks it i pop down to my local beach for a new set up. I can but dream for more space.
So i subscribed

[@JesseRinkaPhotography]

Thanks for checking out the channel and for the sub! Trust me, I spent many years shooting in very small/tight spaces and as difficult as that can be, it actually taught me a lot. I hope to be able to provide you with more useful info in future episodes!

[@stevecraig9384]

Clam

[@JCImagesBehindtheShot]

Hey Jesse, just found your channel and subscribed. Good content! I am in nearby Fairfield Country (recently moved from Westchester). I have my own channel but it is more focused on landscape and architectural photography.

[@JesseRinkaPhotography]

Thank you so much for stopping by! I just sub'd as well! Small world too!

[@Juventinos]

though that reflector is very good, i prefer using a strobe instead of it. there are actual stations where the light from the bottom will be higher power than the key light

[@ronlemelinphotography]

Clam shell lighting

[@JesseRinkaPhotography]

I agree!