Why I use butterfly lighting for portraits

Butterfly lighting, also known as beauty lighting, is one of my favourite techniques for corporate portraiture. It’s not always the right choice, but when it is, it can be transformative.

As the name suggests, butterfly lighting is flattering. It softens features, evens out skin tones, and enhances natural beauty in a way that feels polished but not overdone. It’s particularly helpful when working with real people, not models — which is most of the time in my world.

After three decades behind the camera, I’ve refined my style to focus on what consistently works for real professionals. This lighting setup is dependable, elegant, and above all, flattering. It’s one of the reasons so many clients say they’ve never liked a photo of themselves until now.

What it is

The technique involves placing a soft light source directly in front of the subject and slightly above, creating a soft shadow under the nose shaped like a butterfly’s wings. It gently sculpts the face while reducing harsh lines. I typically use a softbox or a double-diffused umbrella for a more forgiving light, ideal for professional portraits.

The beauty of this approach is that it allows flexibility. As long as the subject’s face is turned toward the light, they’ll look fantastic from almost any camera angle.

When I don’t use it

Butterfly lighting isn’t ideal for every setting. For editorial portraits or corporate lifestyle photography where a more natural, less polished look is needed, I often switch to Rembrandt lighting. This casts the light from the side, adding depth and a bit of drama, great for environmental portraits or storytelling visuals.

Getting the light height right

Light position makes a big difference. I usually keep it low enough to retain light in the eyes but high enough to create natural contours. I’ll always test a few variations depending on the person’s face shape and the look we’re going for.

If glasses are involved, things get a little more technical. Reflections can distract from the eyes, but I’ve developed reliable techniques for handling this, from raising the light to careful post-production and AI retouching. The goal is always the same: eyes clear, expressions natural, portraits strong and confident.

Why It Matters

Lighting isn’t just technical; it’s emotional. It shapes how we perceive people. Butterfly lighting creates a genuinly beautifuly flattering light.

Whether I’m photographing a CEO, a board member, or an entire team, my aim is to help people feel relaxed, look incredible, and come across as they truly are, confident, capable, and real.

Sometimes, it just takes a little light in the right place.