In this episode of Buff Basics, we walk you through three setups for evenly lit headshots! Covering simple backgrounds as well as adding reflectors and bounce into your workflow, this video is sure to help you walk away with shadow free headshots!
For this shoot, Kyle (@throwing_fitz) used Link Units to photograph local musician @HannahMHowell.
For the first setup, Kyle used 4 Link Units to create “clam-shell” lighting and placed the subject on a stool in front of a white backdrop.
He utilized a 47″ Octabox, a 10″ x 36″ Stripbox, and (2) 14″ x 60″ Stripboxes.
For the second set up, still shooting on a white backdrop, Kyle used the 47″ Octabox and one 14″ x 60″ Stripbox. To create bounce and catch-lights, he placed a V-Flat from vflatworld.com to the left of the subject, and had her hold a 5-in-1 collapsible reflector, silver side up, towards her face.
For the final setup, Kyle wanted to create something more colorful and playful. He swapped out a white backdrop for Blue Jay Seamless Paper from Savage Universal and placed a piece of white acrylic in front of the subject. This creates both a light bounce and a clean, white, reflective surface in front of the subject.
He continued to use the 47″ Octabox and V-Flat. He also utilized a Link Unit with a 7″ Reflector pointed directly at the backdrop, creating a halo effect around the subject.
Thank you for reading! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our customer service team – and if you recreate any of these set-ups, be sure to tag us on Instagram at @paulcbuffinc.
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