Headshots for Columbus State University Theater majors

Chelle Leary Headshot [Nikon D5, 85mm ƒ/1.8, ISO 100, ƒ/9, 1/160]

Here is the lighting diagram for the setup for you. I was only using the one Lasolight reflector and took sides off.

I did some headshots for my daughter and other Columbus State theater students. Here are some photos and the setup I did inside my daughter’s dorm room.

Setup of (3) Alienbees, main light Beauty Dish, Lastolite Triflector MKII Frame + Silver/Gold Panels

They are looking toward the camera’s perspective. The model is in front of the two side strobes.

Setup of (3) Alienbees, main light Beauty Dish, Lastolite Triflector MKII Frame + Silver/Gold Panels
Cole Kiker headshot [Nikon D5, 85mm ƒ/1.8, ISO 100, ƒ/8, 1/160]

Here is the lighting diagram for the Cole Headshot.

I used the same setup for Chelle here as well.

Chelle Leary Headshot [Nikon D5, 85mm ƒ/1.8, ISO 100, ƒ/9, 1/160]

By turning the background lights away from the background toward my daughter, I could rim light her. I put 30º grids on the lights to keep the light from hitting the lens and causing a flair.

Chelle Leary Headshot [Nikon D5, 85mm ƒ/1.8, ISO 100, ƒ/9, 1/160]
Chelle Leary Headshot [Nikon D5, 85mm ƒ/1.8, ISO 100, ƒ/9, 1/160]
Cole Kiker headshot [Nikon D5, 85mm ƒ/1.8, ISO 100, ƒ/8, 1/160]

This one shot of Cole is with just the one Beauty Dish light straight above him. It creates what we call “Butterfly” Lighting. The light casts a shadow under the nose that often looks like butterfly wings.

This helps you see why you want to have this as the main light for headshots. It helps create the shape of the face. The shadows created by the cheekbones help contour the face.

Cole Kiker headshot [Nikon D5, 85mm ƒ/1.8, ISO 100, ƒ/6.3, 1/160]

Here the beauty dish is off to the right of Chelle.

Chelle Leary Headshot [Nikon D5, 85mm ƒ/1.8, ISO 100, ƒ/9, 1/160]

Here is that setup of Chelle with the one light

In the next few years, I will return to Columbus State University to do more headshots for theater students. Stay tuned to see more headshots.