The architectural lighting practice Arc Lighting presents the results of its research, titled ‘Face the Light’, which analyses different methods of lighting shop-window mannequins. The examples shown are either professional projects or chance examples of lighting found in shops.
The look of a face changes dramatically under different lighting conditions:
Strong shadow contrasts are achieved by using a narrow-beam spotlight from above, while adding a fill light will soften the contrasts for a more ‘realistic’ result.
Lighting from close range brings out the texture and surface detail of a three-dimensional form, but it can also create strongly defined shadows around the eyes.
The brightness contrast achieved by accent lighting on the figure’s face against a dark background will draw passers-by’s attention to the mannequin’s face.
