This lighting technique is often credited to Irving Penn, the famous 1950s photographer working for Vogue magazine
amongst other places. I don't know for sure if he invented it, but he definitely used it a lot. The basic idea is to create a pattern of light-dark-light-dark. It's a relatively easy technique to pull off, though it can get quite elaborate with black flags and targeted lights. In the end, it always creates a beautiful lighting effect that's pleasing to anyone who sees it, even if they don't know the technique's name. I use it occasionally, and when it works out, I am usually quite please with the result.
Legacy Portraits
