What Lighting Makes You Look Attractive?

Generally speaking, front directional lighting from a window or ring light is the most attractive lighting. This is because lights are the best for filling in fine lines and wrinkles on camera.

That said, traditional light patterns of the face are time tested and can also look excellent. Experiment with the following lighting to see what looks most attractive for your features:

• Paramount / Butterfly Lighting: This pattern is created from front lighting slightly above the subject. It leaves an even light pattern under the nose and is really good for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles when augmented with fill from below.
• Loop Lighting: Patterns like this are similar to paramount lighting except the lighting is shifted slightly so the shadow of the nose is under one nostril. This is a very flattering look and often overlooked by non professionals.
• Rembrandt Lighting: This light pattern is created when the light source is 45 degrees from the face and looking down at a 45 degree angle. It create a tringle of light on the shadow side of the face that is beautifully mysterious.
• Split Lighting: A split lighting pattern is created when the light source is 80-90 degrees from the subjects face at the same level. I illuminates exactly half the face which can look really artistic and edgy.

See this page for more details about how to create the best lighting for boudoir photography.