What is a defining feature of Rembrandt Lighting?

• A. It places the light behind the subject
• B. It evenly lights the entire face from the front
• C. It produces a lit triangle on one cheek
• D. It highlights only the hair

Answer: (C)

Rembrandt Lighting is defined by a small lit triangle on the cheek opposite the main light. This happens when the key light is set about 45 degrees to the subject and slightly above eye level, so the shadow of the nose sweeps across the cheek and leaves a distinct triangle of light under the eye. That single triangular highlight on one side of the face gives depth, drama, and a sculpted look by balancing light and shadow.

Backlighting or lighting from behind would create edge or rim effects, not the cheek triangle. Lighting the whole face evenly from the front would remove the contrast and flatten the portrait. Highlighting only the hair misses the signature cheek triangle that defines this style.