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StudioMODL/The Pose Playbook/Light LabIn development
13In development
In development

Light Lab

Drag a light around a 3D head and see how photographers shape a face with light.

Who it's forModels who want to understand what photographers are doing, and find their light faster.

What you'll be able to do

  • Move one light and watch shadows change in real time
  • See classic setups like butterfly, loop, split and Rembrandt
  • Learn where to turn your face when the light moves
  • Try the same setups with a window at home

Step by step

  1. Drag the light around the head
  2. Watch the pattern name change as you move
  3. Open the “find it at home” card for the look you like
  4. Try it with your own window light

How it will work

An interactive 3D scene in the browser, plus a printable cheat sheet.

Patterns it teaches

  • Butterfly: light high and in front, a small shadow under the nose
  • Loop: light slightly to one side, the nose shadow loops toward the cheek
  • Rembrandt: a small triangle of light on the shadow-side cheek
  • Split: one side of the face lit, the other in shadow

Why it matters

Understanding light lets you help your own pictures, choose better spots on location and talk confidently with photographers.

Honest limits

  • The 3D head is generic and illustrative
  • Not yet built; will need testing on phones for speed

Before it goes live

  • A rights-safe 3D head model
  • Performance testing on older phones

This is an idea we're developing, not a live feature yet. Nothing here has been tested with users or reviewed by industry professionals.

Keep going

Related frames from the sheet. Circled frames are ready to use today.