Light sources: top or down light

Although this lighting condition is a very common one, particularly if you live in a country prone to overcast skies, from a portrait photography point of view it is generally unflattering. Small source top lighting in particular will render harsh shadows down the face, darkening the area beneath the eyes, nose and mouth and highlighting the brow and nose making a stark impression.

From a dramatic point of view though, top lighting can convey a celestial air and a general aura of cascading light.

Next - Bottom or Up Light Source