How I Light My Headshots

Thank you for this very interesting tutorial.

honestly, the kick light looks best on her

Great Video, Thank you

Great video thank you. Can I ask you about your tripod...i've been put off tripods as they're so clunky and stiff.....but yours looks smooth and easy. What is the model and brand please? Thank you!

Great tutorial !
Do you use the white or silver interior in your softbox ?

@sam i love your mic can you tell me about it?please

Why ISO 320 ? Supposed to use the lowest ISO a possible ?

What lav mic is that if you don't mind sharing?

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!

Maaaate, this was so clear and easy to follow. Well done

She’s gorgeous!

You appear to be a very nice person. Don’t take my comment as negative one. Take it as constructive criticism. Your lighting is very flat. There is no contrast, even though you are using “studio lighting “(amateur lights) Your images look if you would use on camera flash.. you have to work more on your lighting, look at some professional photographers how they shoot. Look at their images… btw I am professional fashion photographer with 20 years experience, shooting for major brands, and publications..

Great video. Great examples.

Hi Sam. Possibly dumb question. Why have your ISO at 320 or anything above 100? It doesn't seem like you would need it to boost the exposure when you are at a shutter of 200. What am I missing? I guess why not drop the shutter and boost the ISO instead? Thanks!

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).

Hey Sam! This video popped up when I was looking at headshot videos. Very good and informative especially the part about the setup and how it affects contrast. It was nice meeting you in Baltimore a few months ago. Looking forward to more content from you.

Using 3 evolv 200’s in your 3 light setup?

What the name of wireless clip on microphone?Thank you!

Nice work Sam! Are you using modeling lights on the three light setup? Are you running them off the batteries or AC? Have you had any battery or other issues with your godox monolights?

Why do you use an 85mm instead of a 50?

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.

I have a question.. I have a Canon R6 and purchased the flash for the top of the camera. Which have not yet needed. My focus is not business shots but was asked to take some for a friend at his financial office. I was going to rent a backdrop. But I can’t invest in all of this as I invested in new camera, new lens for the other parts of the business. Any suggestions? Thanks 😊

Great video. Are you using 46" or 60" Softlighters?

I actually prefer the final setup, even on a woman, although I might not risk that setup for a business "headshot day" retail scenario. And Leah is a wonderful model.

Thanks for this!! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

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!

Is ISO 320 a magic number for you, unlike many photographers who use ISO 100? Also, how do you avoid the distraction that may be caused by the two big holes on your earlobes, lol?

What lens are you using?

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.

The whole one light thing really falls apart, if you add an expensive modifier to the mix. That is really not what ppl are asking for. Pretty sure they just bought a flash and want to now how to achieve the best results with it. It’s no secret that you can get better and better results by adding to the cost, but it’s not really the solution ppl are looking for, if you catch my drift.

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. :)

Thanks man, this is a very informative video.btw what lens are you using?

Brooo, the one with v reflector will help me get many greencard application photos.

Great Video….what size strip boxes are you using?

Manual or auto focus? I find when I get rid of all ambient light my EVF autofocus eye tracking glitches.

Hi! thank you for the content. I also use big umbrellas often, however struggle when someone is wearing glasses. What do you do in that case when you’re mobil? Have a nice day

Such an underrated channel, hope it takes off!

The three light setup, what was your power settings?

very instructive. thanks for the effort and the sharing. you demo-ed young women and men (sorta!) but how would you light senior citizens, men & women well into their 70s and beyond? thumbs up.

Thanks for the video! Can you please explain the last set up in a little more detail? Thank you!

How do you handle glasses?

Great video, Sam! Thx 😊

nice content

I wanna know why there is an un made empty bed in your studio? Can you make a video on that!!! lol

First off great video. Do you have a link to the grey background you were using ? Thanks

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Question as far as the last setup I have Godoy 600 so do I need to buy 2 more Godox lights and then the wescott strip box

How did you get light under her chin

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!

Really nice model, very expressive, and a very helpful video.

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