A one light portrait setup needs a single flash or continuous light, a softbox or umbrella, and a subject placed a short distance from the background. Place the light at an angle to the face, raise it above eye level, and add a reflector if shadows look too deep.
What You Need
- One light with a large modifier, such as a softbox or umbrella.
- A light stand.
- A plain background, either a wall, paper or cloth.
- A reflector or white foam board, optional but useful.
- A camera, lens in the portrait range, and a tripod if you like.
Place the Light
Larger, closer light is softer. Put the modifier as near to the subject as you can without it showing in the frame.
- Place the subject a meter or two in front of the background to avoid shadows on it.
- Position the light at about 45 degrees to one side of the subject and slightly above eye level, angled down.
- Have the subject turn their face a little toward the light.
- Place a reflector on the opposite side, near the chest, to bounce light into the shadows.
- Take a frame and look at the shadow under the nose, which tells you the pattern.
Try These Basic Patterns
| Pattern | Light position | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Short light | Light on the far side of the face | Slimming, dramatic |
| Broad light | Light on the near side of the face | Open, bright |
| Loop | 45 degrees, slightly above | Small shadow beside nose |
| Butterfly | Directly in front, high | Shadow under nose, glamorous |
Camera Settings to Try
With flash, the aperture and flash power control the look, while the shutter speed mainly controls background light. These are general first values:
- Manual mode, ISO 100.
- Shutter speed at or below your camera’s flash sync limit, often around 1/200.
- Aperture near f/5.6 to f/8 for sharp faces with some depth.
- Adjust flash power until skin tones look right on the histogram, not only the screen.
Lower the shutter speed a little to brighten a dim background, or raise the speed to darken it.
Fix Common Problems
- Harsh shadows: move the light closer or use a larger modifier.
- Flat look: move the light farther to the side.
- Dark eyes: raise the light slightly or add a reflector below the face.
- Glare on glasses: raise the light and turn the face a bit.
FAQ
Can I use a window instead of a flash?
Yes. A large window works much like a softbox, and the same placement ideas apply.
Do I need a reflector?
Not strictly, but it gives you control over shadow depth at almost no effort.
The Short Version
Use a large soft light about 45 degrees to the side and above eye level, with the subject away from the background. Add a reflector if shadows are deep, and adjust power and distance until the face looks natural.
