How I Light My Headshots

In this video I cover various lighting approaches for capturing headshots; starting with just one light source, then two lights, then three lights, then my personal go-to headshot lighting setup. Hope you find this helpful!

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[PerformanceClean]

One of the most informative and straight forward videos I have found on this subject. Thank you.

[rickjbradbury]

For those wondering the 2 light setup fill lights at 1/32nd power was 2 stops less than the main light at 1/8th, assuming distances were the same.

[ljswaan]

THANKS. I do like the light in your talking shots. That's how I wanna light my subjects... having kick light from the side, rim light from the back.

[JiminSC]

Thanks. Well produced content with a lot of detailed info. I liked the "Manly" lighting best on her.

[jeffereyjimenez]

Very nice demo and thank you for showing your setups. I appreciate your elegant and no-nonsense approach to lighting for headshots. Thanks for sharing!

[MarkWodjykl]

Awesome teacher. Using strobes is so much better than Hurley's continuous light approach, which makes people squint heavily and look super uncomfortable.

[MattSpaugh]

Good stuff. After shooting literally hundreds of headshots over the past 5 years, I've grown kinda tired of my formula - and found it slightly unflattering on certain people. I've spent the day in the studio recreating all your set ups and I feel excited about trying something new on my next shoot. Nice video production too - keep up the great work!

[therealBocaStudios]

That Peter Hurley setup is so gorgeous I used it once

[markgoostree]

I am a hobby photographer. I've never been asked to do a "head shot" but, now I have an idea of the process and what to look for if that day ever comes. A well done video... thank you.

[michaelschmitt]

Nice video, saved for future reference. Leah is a great subject for headshots. She has very approachable facial expressions (and I'm told that's important for general headshots).

[tmewborn]

I have viewed this before and it is one of the top Photo Head shot Videos on Youtube, thanks a lot for making it I learn a lot each time.

[gbwalther]

Great video on How to Light for Headshots! Super inspirational. Your model via your shots is dynamite!😎

[stephenroberts]

Great video and really helpful. Look forward to seeing more!

[InFamousProductions]

Great video man I was struggle with the head shots because of the insane light conditions when I go to somebody’s office especially the external light and this didn’t really solve this ha ha but I’d like to see your approach to it

[JCImagesBehindtheShot]

Great video. amazing studio. Thanks for sharing.

[jolyoncox]

Excellent Sam, thanks. Heads up the Youtube algorithm suggested this video to me.

[truthsayers]

great video! i love the lightness of your presentation. good explanations and great videography as well. of course Leah is quite pleasing as well!

thanks for your vid!

[makeitdontbreakit]

Such a great video! Very informational and fun to watch

[evancovacevich]

Such an underrated channel, hope it takes off!

[reneefariasphoto]

Leah is so damn gorgeous. LOL. Also, good video. Although I have been a pro photographer for 26 years specializing in corporate and personal branding and headshots, I like these videos because it allows me to continue my studies, even though I have an MFA, I like looking/learning other techniques I may or may not use in the future. :)