Head lighting reference

Interactive 3D Head Lighting Reference for Artists

This tool lets you orbit, zoom and pan around a real 3D head model while adjusting key light azimuth, elevation, distance and intensity in real time. Change fill and rim light colour and intensity independently. Toggle shadows, wireframe and the ground plane. Six lighting presets cover the foundational setups: Rembrandt, split, butterfly, rim only, top-down and horror under-light.

Five built-in head models are included — each loaded only when selected to keep the page fast. The Lee Perry-Smith photorealistic scan (CC BY 3.0, distributed by Morgan McGuire / Computer Graphics Archive) is the default. The Asaro head, Loomis head, Toropygin planar head and girl bust are all CC-licensed assets from Sketchfab. Attribution is displayed in the lower-left overlay while each model is active.

You can load your own head sculpt or any 3D model in GLB, GLTF or OBJ format. The file is processed entirely in your browser using the FileReader API — nothing is sent to any server. Use this to study lighting setups for portraits, figure out how Rembrandt triangles form, or reference specific shadow shapes while painting.

Built at Impheim as a free tool for the art community. More tools for TTRPG game masters and players are available in the Impheim Tool Workshop.