I gave the class an assignment on making a Rembrandt light portrait using just one light with a 10º or 20º spot grid.

Most of the class has never even turned on a studio strobe.

Here is the assignment:

Description:
Rembrandt portrait using one grid light

Items:

Subject
Please get the best possible expression.  It would be best if you saw a triangle on their cheek.  Be sure the triangle includes lighting their eye.

Monobloc with ten or 20-degree grid
You may use any power setting you choose.  Be sure your skin tone is exposed correctly and correct white balance.

Camera
Choose the lowest ISO setting for your camera.  Use a portrait lens 85mm – 100mm; if you don’t have a full frame, 50mm will be OK.

Backdrop
You may also use a black background—no other lights are to be used in this assignment.

Here are some of the student’s results:

Photo by: Lauren R. Tercero

Photo by: Deborah Mataia

Photo by: Francisco Leon V.

Photo by: Katie Suderman

Photo by: Sarah L. Quinones

Photo by: Hastings Franks

Photo by: Annett Rek