Butterfly Lighting
A portrait pattern with the key placed directly in front of and above the face, casting a small butterfly-shaped shadow beneath the nose.
In depth
Also called Paramount lighting after the studio that popularised it, the symmetrical placement emphasises cheekbones and narrows the face, which is why it became the standard glamour light of 1930s Hollywood. It is unflattering on deep-set eyes and prominent noses, both of which the high angle exaggerates.
Examples in practice
A beauty dish placed high and dead centre, with a reflector below the chin, gives the classic butterfly shadow and open eye sockets.