Théo Lambert

Golden Hour

Roughly the hour after sunrise and before sunset, when warm light (3000–4000 K) skims low and stretches shadows. A short window — the most flattering for portraits and landscapes.

Blue Hour

A 20–40 minute twilight window after sunset or before sunrise (sun between -4° and -6° below the horizon), when the sky takes a cobalt cast and natural and artificial lights coexist.

Hard Light

Light from a source whose apparent diameter, seen from the subject, stays under ~5° (midday sun, bare flash, undiffused spot). Contrast ratio commonly above 1:8, sharp shadows, abrupt transitions, marked specular highlights. A graphic and character tool.

Soft Light

Light from a source whose angular diameter, seen from the subject, exceeds ~20° (overcast sky, north window, softbox at 1 m, white wall). Diffuse, gradual shadows, soft tonal transitions. A modeling and softness tool.

Backlight

Light source placed behind the subject, opposite the camera, typically at 0-30° elevation and within ±30° of the optical axis. Background-to-subject gap commonly 3-6 stops. Creates silhouettes, rim light and atmospheric halos.

Rembrandt Lighting

Single-source portrait scheme placed at 45° above and 45° to the side, creating a triangular highlight on the opposite cheek. Signature of Rembrandt's self-portraits (1606-1669).