From grimoire
Plans studio lighting setups for portrait or product photography, selecting lights, modifiers, and positions to achieve specific lighting patterns (Rembrandt, loop, butterfly, etc.).
How this skill is triggered — by the user, by Claude, or both
Slash command
/grimoire:design-studio-lighting-setupThe summary Claude sees in its skill listing — used to decide when to auto-load this skill
Design a studio lighting setup for portrait or product photography — selecting the number and position of lights, choosing appropriate modifiers, and placing sources to achieve a specific lighting pattern that serves the creative intent.
Design a studio lighting setup for portrait or product photography — selecting the number and position of lights, choosing appropriate modifiers, and placing sources to achieve a specific lighting pattern that serves the creative intent.
Adopted by: Studio photography fundamentals have been taught consistently since the development of electronic flash (circa 1950s). Scott Kelby's educational materials are the most widely used in professional photography training. The Strobist method (Dave Hobby) popularized accessible studio lighting education for the digital era. Professional advertising and portrait photography studios universally operate from these lighting principles. Impact: Lighting is the primary technical variable that separates professional photography from amateur results. The same subject, same camera, same lens will produce dramatically different results depending on lighting placement and quality. The difference between flat, unflattering light and three-dimensional, sculpting light is entirely a function of lighting design — not equipment quality.
Before placing any lights, choose the pattern based on the creative intent:
Rembrandt: main light at 45° to the subject's face, slightly above eye level; produces a characteristic triangle of light on the shadowed cheek; creates drama; classic for masculine portraiture
Loop lighting: main light at 30–45° to the face, just above eye level; the shadow of the nose forms a small loop downward; most common flattering portrait light; works for most faces
Butterfly / Paramount: main light directly in front, above eye level; produces butterfly-shaped shadow under the nose; glamour lighting; historically used for Hollywood portraiture
Split lighting: main light at 90° to the subject; exactly half the face is lit; other half in shadow; dramatic; used for mood or editorial
Flat lighting: main light close to the camera axis (ring light or on-camera flash); fills shadows; used for beauty photography, skin texture reduction, product photography on white backgrounds
The key light is the primary illumination source and the light that defines the pattern:
Inverse square law: when the light source is moved twice as far away, the intensity drops by 1/4 (not 1/2). This means moving the key light from 3 feet to 6 feet drops the intensity to 1/4 — the same relationship that makes close modifiers produce softer light.
Fill light reduces the contrast between lit and shadow areas (the lighting ratio):
Reflector vs. light fill: reflectors produce softer, more natural fill; second strobes produce controllable, measurable fill. For most portrait work, a reflector is the simpler and more flattering option.
Modifier selection determines light quality (hard vs. soft) and beam shape:
| Modifier | Quality | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bare flash/strobe | Hard (specular) | Dramatic shadows, graphic shadows |
| Umbrella (shoot-through) | Soft, broad | General portraiture, quick setup |
| Umbrella (reflective silver) | Medium-hard, directional | More contrast than white umbrella |
| Softbox (standard) | Soft, rectangular catchlight | Commercial portraiture, beauty |
| Octabox | Soft, round catchlight | Preferred for close-up portraiture |
| Beauty dish (reflective) | Medium, wrapping | Beauty/fashion, skin texture |
| Grid (on any modifier) | Controls spill; same quality | When you need light to stay off background |
| Strip box | Soft, narrow | Hair light, rim light, product edges |
Softbox size rule: larger relative to the subject = softer light. A 4×6 softbox at 2 feet from a headshot subject is very soft; the same softbox at 10 feet produces much harder light.
Two-light (key + fill) setups can feel flat; dedicated hair or background lights add depth:
All setups need adjustment once the subject is in position:
npx claudepluginhub jeffreytse/grimoire --plugin grimoireSelects light modifiers (softbox, umbrella, beauty dish, etc.) based on desired light quality, shadow transition, catchlight, and working distance for photography lighting setups.
Provides guidance on shot composition, album narrative structure, and brand photography direction for planning shoots and creating shot lists.
Generates AI product photography including shots, still lifes, packaging mockups, food images, and object compositions with studio lighting using Gemini. Triggers on product photo requests.