Keeping your setup simple and concentrating on expressions is my suggestion. For example, here is my setup for this photo above.

Here is the gear that I am using for the photo.

• 3 – Alienbee B1600
• Paul Buff – White High Output Beauty Dish
• Lastolite Triflector kit silver/gold
• Collapsible Background – 5 x 7′ (Black/White)
• Nikon D750
• Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G

In my basement, I have a similar setup; the only difference is that I have a hair light mounted on the ceiling.

I am shooting on the lowest power setting possible for all the lights.

This setup works well for men as well.