Source: https://restorebunny.com/guides/butterfly-lighting-eye-shadows/

# Butterfly Lighting: Check Eyes as Well as the Nose Shadow

A centered light above the camera can create a characteristic nose shadow. Check the eyes and lower face before choosing the light height solely for that shape.

Portrait lighting2 min readUpdated 19 October 2026

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Quick answer

## The short version

A centered light above the camera can create a characteristic nose shadow. Check the eyes and lower face before choosing the light height solely for that shape.

## A capture or editing plan

Start with a comfortable subject position and take a test with the main light above camera level. Raise or lower it in small steps while comparing the eye sockets, nose shadow and chin. Keep the camera position consistent. If a reflector is used below the face, compare with and without it so its effect is clear. Inspect glasses separately for reflections from the centered source.

## When to change the approach

Avoid treating the setup as a requirement for a particular gender or facial type. Use it only when the subject and the intended portrait benefit from the result.

## Worked planning example

Planning example: Raising the light makes the nose shadow more pronounced but darkens both eyes. A slightly lower position keeps the visual idea while making the expression easier to read.

## If the first attempt fails

If the nose shadow looks right but the eyes feel hidden, lower or reposition the main light slightly and make another frame. Check eyebrow and glasses shadows independently. A flattering-looking nose pattern does not establish that the whole face is well described. Keep the chin relaxed during the adjustment; asking the subject to tilt unnaturally can solve a light problem by creating a posing problem.

## Before you finish

1. Compare the eyes at each light height.
2. Check glasses for a new reflection.
3. Keep the subject comfortable.

## FAQs

What should I check first for butterfly lighting?

Compare the eyes at each light height. Check glasses for a new reflection. Keep the subject comfortable.

## Sources

Sources for technical facts and documented capabilities. Worked scenarios are hypothetical planning examples.

- Adobe: [Portrait lighting techniques](<https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/discover/portrait-lighting.html>)
- Profoto: [Butterfly light position](<https://www.profoto.com/int/en/still-photography/tips-tricks/how-to-create-butterfly-lighting/ImportedBlogPage>)

## Related

- [Compare photo candidates](<https://restorebunny.com/tools/photo-contact-sheet/>)
- [Split Lighting: Decide How Much of the Face to Leave in Shadow](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/split-lighting-portrait-balance/>)
- [Clamshell Lighting: Compare Main Light and Lower Fill](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/clamshell-lighting-fill-comparison/>)
- [Browse all photo guides](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/>)

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