Rembrandt lighting is a portrait lighting technique recognized by a small triangular patch of light on the subject’s cheek, opposite the key light. It is commonly used in photography and cinematography to add depth and drama. Instead of using studio lights, I relied on natural light, positioning the sun as my key light.

For my subject, I chose my dog. While most Rembrandt lighting examples focus on human faces, I wanted to experiment with an animal’s features. This prompted unique problems, as dogs have different facial structures and unpredictable movements. 

One unexpected but interesting element was how my arm, positioned nearby, resembled his tongue. This accidental detail gave the photo a sense of harmony.

I was pleased with how the lighting sculpted my dog’s features and created contrast between the lit and shadowed areas. The use of natural light made the image feel organic, and the spontaneous composition added charm.

Most importantly, my dog was a very good boy throughout the process, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Mount Fuji’s near-perfect triangular shape naturally anchors the composition. Its peak acts as a focal point, drawing attention and adding grandeur to the image. In the foreground, I posed with arms extended and a staff raised, forming an implied triangle with my body. 

This repetition of triangular shapes between my stance and the mountain created a sense of harmony and structure.

Triangles in photography are often used to direct the viewer’s gaze. My raised arms created leading lines that enhanced the sense of movement, making the pose feel more dramatic. The combination of natural and implied triangles reinforces the image’s storytelling aspect, adding depth and visual interest.

Mirroring is a powerful technique in photography that enhances composition through symmetry and balance. In my photo, I captured Mount Fuji with a triangular shoreline in the foreground, both forming a mirrored composition that strengthened the image’s geometry.

If I were to attempt this again, I would refine my positioning and explore different lighting conditions to enhance the overall impact.

Perspective is one of the most powerful tools in photography, allowing photographers to manipulate depth and scale. By carefully positioning elements within the frame, it is possible to create illusions that make objects appear larger, smaller, or part of a scene in an unexpected way. 

In my photo, I used perspective to create the illusion of casting a fireball by aligning my hand with the sun, making it appear as if I were holding or summoning flames.

The key to this illusion was forced perspective, a technique to create an effect that does not exist in reality. Instead of using digital effects or props, I simply positioned my hand close to the camera while ensuring the sun was aligned in the background. Because the sun is an intense light source, it naturally resembled a glowing orb.

By extending my arm and curving my fingers slightly, I made it look as if I was controlling the "fire" in my palm. The brightness of the sun added to the effect. The success of this illusion depended entirely on the right positioning—if my hand had been slightly off, the effect would not have been as convincing.