Loop Lighting

Lighting that places the main light (key light) about 30-45° to the side in front of a person, a little above the eyes, so the nose shadow makes a small loop toward the cheek. Most of the face stays in the light, with only mild depth. Swing the light farther to the side so the nose shadow meets the cheek shadow and traps a triangle, and it becomes Rembrandt lighting.

Lighting positions seen from above. It shines from about 35° to the camera’s left, a little above eye level, with a weak fill on the other side.

Camera view. Most of the face is bright, and only the edge farthest from the light is slightly darker.

How it feels

Natural
Easygoing
Friendly
Comfortable
Neat

When to use it

Portraits and profile photos
Interviews and documentaries
Everyday conversation scenes
Showing a person plainly, without styling

In the movies

Skyfall (2012) · Source: James Bond 007 (YouTube) · Original video

Not to be confused with

Rembrandt Lighting: Swing the light farther to the side so the nose shadow meets the cheek shadow, and it is Rembrandt. A triangle of light stays on the shadowed cheek, and it is heavier and more dramatic.
Butterfly Lighting: It lights from above, front and center, so the shadow falls right under the nose. In loop lighting the shadow leans to one side.
Flat Lighting: The light is in front, close to the camera’s axis, so there are almost no shadows. Loop is slightly to the side, so there is mild depth.

Prompt

Keyword

loop lighting

Descriptive

Loop lighting. Key light about 45 degrees to the side and slightly above, a small shadow of the nose falling toward the cheek, most of the face lit. Natural, flattering portrait.

Try these combinations

Medium close-up + loop lighting: an interview
Medium close-up interview, loop lighting, soft key light, neutral grey background
Close-up + loop lighting: a profile photo
Close-up portrait, loop lighting, a young woman smiling softly, shallow depth of field