5 Light Old Hollywood Style Glamour Setup

One of the themes I love to explore over and over again is “vintage modern” - meaning I love to take elements from the past and infuse them with a modern twist.
For this shoot however I really just went all in with the vintage look.
The model for this shoot actually was the inspiration as she is a professional burlesque/pinup model and just has that “vintage style” look to her.
Here’s a break down of the lighting:
💡 5 Light setup:
1 - Main light: Magnum Reflector with light #5 in paramount position
2 - Background light with 20 degree grid
3 - 1x4’’ strip softbox - illuminating her hair
4 - 1x4’’ strip softbox - illuminating her hair
5 - Beauty dish + grid - fill in the shadows on the face
Final image: 10:10
Now you can definitely get away with using less lights than I did here, but as you can see in the video, I built the scene light by light to get to my final desired look using a Magnum reflector as my main light which helped create that high contrast look but can be a bit more flatting on the skin.
You can get some great results with even just a single light (shameless plug, checkout my class 👉One Light Artistry: lindsayadler.p...) with shadows and a hard light source.
Post Processing:
I wound up turning the photo black and white from the original (4:42) and did my usual bit of ‘finessing’ the photos by cleaning up stray hairs and minor retouching. You can see the before/after at 7:03.
👇 So what did you think? Did I nail that "modern vintage" look? Is this a style that you think you'd try? Drop a comment below and let me know!
🔥 If you're interested in more setups like this you'll definitely want to check out my Old Hollywood Lighting Recipe Guide with over 20+ lighting setups. lindsayadler.ph....
⚙️ Camera Settings:
✅ 24-105 @ 65mm
✅ 1/200th
✅ F/8
✅ ISO 400
📸 Gear:
✅ Canon EOS R5: adorama.rfvk.n... (photos shot using a pre-production model)
✅ Canon RF 24-105mm 4.0: adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Profoto D2: adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Profoto Magnum Reflector: adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Profoto Beauty Dish + Grid: adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Profoto 1x4' Strip Softbox: adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Profoto 20 Degree Grid: adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Tether Tools tether cable: adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Savage Seamless Fashion Gray background: adorama.rfvk.n...
🔥 Learn creative one light techniques with my class One Light Artistry: lindsayadler.p...
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Facebook: / lindsayadlerphotography
Twitter: / lindsayadler
Education: learn.lindsayad...
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[@josephchan4198]

I like the (Classic) photo shoot. Kudos to the hard work of the photographer, stylist, and of course the model for her hard work. I want to thank Lindsay for giving back to the community also.

[@longliveclassicmusic]

I think my absolute favorite part of this decon is you walking through the CULLING. One of the most tedious, difficult parts of a shoot that can make one feel like an imposter is getting the posing and framing absolutely just right. In the case of some subjects it can take HOURS and tons of experimenting to just get a select few good shots. It gets tedious for a subject but also makes one start to feel the imposter syndrome of not knowing what you're doing. Seeing someone as incredible as you going back through the very extensive process it took to get the shot is so inspiring in that it's never the easiest thing in the world - for anyone!

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thank you so much for the kind words! It's definitely an important process to go through your selects carefully. It's not always the most glamorous part of the job but it's one of the most necessary! :)

[@MyMomDrank]

Lindsay has the best videos for inspiration/education. Hands down.

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

[@yuliyapanchenko]

I hope to see you at IMAGING USA soon. You are a true inspiration for me.

[@jenniferwilliams4722]

Thanks Lindsay! You're an amazing teacher. You shot a beautiful photo, as always, and I learned so much from your explanation.

[@rachelleinspire435]

Absolutely Breathtaking I love Vintage Fashion ( The Glam Styles) I love how You did this.

[@ale.giacobazzi]

What can I say? Amazing pictures, amazing model, amazing concept, amazing hair & makeup, plus the 100% useful culling process. I am speechless. 😍😍😍

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks so much!

[@josephchan4198]

Awesome!! Love your teaching style.

[@silvere36]

Love the video. The cheek adjustment was excellent!

[@maxdmachy]

amazing in deep analysis of various aspects why this model is such a great match to your vision for the old-style Hollywood photo. On top of all the great details I think it also shows how immensely supportive you are to push the personality of the subject to the its best! Which might be the ultimate ingredient for the extraordinary photo you and your model friend created!

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks so much!!

[@caiobelasalma5129]

hey Lindsay, just wanted to tell you, your work really inspire me, I'm a broke ass Makeup artist form Brazil, don't have a camera or the studio lights, or the fancy backgrounds LOL I shoot with my smartphone, a ringlight, and a diy softbox + some fabric taped to the wall, and I really, really, need to thank you, so many tips and tricks you share really help me out a lot!. Please keep being this awesome, if you don't know you are helping so many people throught your videos! because people like you, I discovered I love photography and realized I don't need all the expesive gear (of course it helps), what I need is the knowledge and the artistry! thank you again!

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

What a wonderful message-- I am so glad I've been able to help. And yes, sometimes I use a lot of gear and other times I use hardly any at all. Wishing you the very best!

[@Canon.Ant1977]

Literally love all of your videos, how you explain the beginning to end process. To get to the vets image possible

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Glad you like them!

[@Dionne.Photography]

You are the ultimate teacher!!

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

You're too kind, thank you. xoxo

[@lawrencebraun99]

I haven’t heard someone mention alien skin exposure in 20 years! That’s so awesome you used it! This is brilliant. I’m looking to buy your course

[@exfoliage]

I learned a lot from this. Didn’t know you waited years to create this masterpiece. I think it’s safe to say, you’ve successfully conjured the essence of Old Hollywood (Circa the Roaring 20’s). Job well done ✨

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks so much for the kind words! :)

[@hansmalgapu2042]

thanks for this, Lindsay!

[@karlshikles]

Lindsay once again packs a ton of information into a short video and somehow makes it easy to follow and retain - even for a relative noob such as myself. 10/10!

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks so much!

[@tzalam222]

Ever since your visit and lecture in Israel, I closely follow you, truly enjoying your artistic view, professional tutorials and pleasant character... Thank you Lindsay!

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thank you so much!

[@monteestowes1245]

I genuinely appreciate you including the things you "didn't like". I didn't even consider shooting tethered so you could actually see what's happening in near real-time and make adjustments.

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks so much!

[@barryobrien1890]

Thanks to your courses I was able to deconstruct this picture. I got the lights except the Magnum reflector. This is really helpful. Thanks

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Glad to hear that! :)

[@risbill1]

Thank you for sharing. Always learn something from your videos. I would love to see how this sort of portrait would have been done back in the day. I know when I want that classic little slit of light across the eyes I will sometimes use a cookie or flags but every now and then I like to use a narrow mirror I got from a piece of wall tile and reflect the light back onto the model. Gives nice crisp lines.

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

The mirror trick is a great one. :D

[@risbill1]

@@lindsayadlerphoto mirrors have a lot of creative uses. I'm still wanting to try that kaleidoscope trick you shared a while back. I have even set up mirrors in the studio to bounce the natural light into a v-flat to soften it and direct it where I want it to go. The great thing about mirrors is how directional they are and it's a very hard light.

[@risbill1]

@@lindsayadlerphoto gafters tape on it to create a pattern and then reflect that onto your subject or background. The mirror I have I cemented a connector to the back so that it can go on to a magic arm. Did the same with a prism and it works great.

[@giuseppefoto]

Always stunning work.

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thank you for the kind words! :)

[@redwine1980a]

Very professional...thanks for inspiration..

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks!

[@TimewithLivi]

Thank you for this!

[@willf5595]

Amazing work as always.

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thank you for the kind words! :)

[@yanafridabinaev]

Phenomenal!!!!

[@gregautryphoto]

ah the joys of digital...as opposed to an ole 8 x 10 camera, and sheet film of asa 4, and thoose ole hot lamps and fresnel lenses :). Great work Lindsay

[@artetaphotography]

Absolutely stunning! I’m a resident photographer for 2 burlesque troupes in Dallas!

[@harrymartinunderwater1496]

Love the light setup - really helpful

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks so much!

[@exfoliage]

Tethered and Presets. Great workflow !

[@irenasiauko5659]

Incredible work and videos!!!!❤ I started to know you via KZbin videos just a few days ago and can't stop to watch all of them. Huge information and inspiration from you Lindsay 🙌 I never work yet with all this light systems, but already feel me much stronger 🙏. THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR ART WORK

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Welcome! So glad you are enjoying!

[@romiemiller7876]

Good lens choice. My go to lens for about 95% of my work is the Nikkor 24-120 mm f4.

[@josephchan4198]

This be good for a costume party add.

[@starttofinishmediaco.2520]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 great photo and breakdown!

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks so much!

[@barkyvonschnauzer2188]

This is gorgeous! I would so love to shoot with L.A. xoxoxo

[@vproven]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@marcelmarcoshierro6438]

Amazing!!!!

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks so much!

[@biltifosi5774]

thank you

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

😉

[@Nicosalgadophotography]

Love love it 😍

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks Nico!

[@Nicosalgadophotography]

@@lindsayadlerphoto ❤️ practice what I watch from Lindsay plus and the Hollywood pdf

[@WillWillet]

amazing!

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks!

[@tomdewittefoto6701]

I think the hand is brighter because of the angle towards the light. The hand angle towards the light is 'noon', the angle of the face is 6pm or later

[@lukeventers4755]

Hello from Montana, sister! I just finished a big project. How are you?! Nice breakdown!

[@brightzone3151]

🔥🔥🔥🤩🤩🤩🤩 tq for sharing this information

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@hajmanek]

Awesome

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks!

[@eltonfoster]

Great work as always, Lindsay! I can see you did shot it most in vertical and tight. How do you deal with Instagram 4x5 format when you post it?

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

An app called squareFx

[@malindayoung2914]

2:44 😊I thought the lady in the picture was you!😮

[@gontrandurocher9045]

Hi Lindsay! Looking forward to dissecting your Old Hollywood Lighting Recipe Guide! Question: Is the main light here gridded?

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

It's not, no.

[@fabianalata4155]

HI! I have a question... how many photos do u pick from the photoshoot? how many photos do u usually take? Is something that I always wonder. Cos when i do a photoshoot with promps and stuff i usually only get 2 or 3. I LOVE i mean I LOVEEE!!! your work and how u teach ive learnt a lot from u. Thanx for sharing

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

For each different look I shoot between 150-300 photos (depending on if its moving, lots of poses, etc). From there I do an initial pass probably of about 10% 'winners' and then pick 2-3 final shots from there.

[@johnleighdesigns]

Super stuff! As a vintage hollywood fan Im getting ready to work through your new Hollywood Recipe guide. I noticed your camera setting of 400 ISO. As a speedliight guy I tend to be at 200-400 ISO to put less strain and drain on my lights and even on my old 700D crop sensor the images are nice and crisp and fairly low noise. Im wondering if there is some unexpected benefit Im not aware of for using your more modern noise free camera at ISO 400 even with your powerful strobes - why not 100 ISO? Kind regards John London UK

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Sure! Same as you for the most part. Honestly some modifiers (like optical spot, grids) have to be somewhat high output of strobe required and I dont like to max out the strobe for heat purposes. Other than that, I just think the 400 is clean enough, so why not save the strobes from always having to be high output!

[@Speanz]

Шикарная работа

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks!

Did you use the Profoto D2?

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

yep!

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Gear is listed in the description too. 😉

[@charligebeyaw7915]

I love your videos

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks so much!

[@andrewrodriguez7727]

What program are you using for your laptop? Editing wise, thanks.

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Capture One!

[@pedromattossouza8219]

I really want to buy your course and I will, but I will have to control my anxiety. For us in Brazil, the value is like 2 times a basic salary (due to the dollar conversion). It will be worth it, I'll keep an eye on the promotions ehehe. Thank you for the beautiful work and dedication to the classesI really want to buy your course and I will, but I will have to control my anxiety. For us in Brazil, the value is like 2 times a basic salary (due to the dollar conversion). It will be worth it, I'll keep an eye on the promotions ehehe. . Thank you for the beautiful work and dedication, the classes are amazing.

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

We have a Memorial Day Weekend sale from now until 5/31! :D

[@pedromattossouza8219]

@Lindsay Adler Photography cool, but my target is the "master studio lighting" class. Unfortunately, this one doesn't appear with a discount.😓 When it's meant to be, it will be.

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

@@pedromattossouza8219 That one never goes on sale-- its the only one so far in my catalog I dont' discount (took a year to create)

[@pedromattossouza8219]

@Lindsay Adler Photography Thank you for letting me know about this detail. Now, it will be a priority in the next investment in my studies. I think 2 months without beers I'll be able to get this on. Maybe a month will be enough. 😌 Thanks for the feedback.

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

@@pedromattossouza8219 We have a payment plan option and have Affirm, Klarna, iDeal and AfterPay so you can spread out the payments of the class! :D

[@BelaMardia]

could you please tell me which modifiers should i buy for profoto b10 to get hard light ?

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Westcott Optical Spot with Profoto mount

[@BelaMardia]

@@lindsayadlerphoto so i don't need to get ocf Magnum reflector?

[@wendystumbaugh695]

I love the image, but I thought you were going for paramount lighting.

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Sorry to disappoint you...

[@SAAGEWAY]

do you have a video that shows your photoshop processing, I'm trying to learn how you do those tweaks to the face

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

I don't have updated classes on post processing at this time. I have some older stuff ut the techniques are probably not as updated. I focus on lighting, styling etc and usually show my RAW processing and explain how the final image was achieved so showing the actual skin cleanup and Photoshopping is inconsequential. I'd recommend checking out educators who just focus on retouching then combine the techniques. :)

[@SAAGEWAY]

@@lindsayadlerphoto Thank you! Love your content, keep it up you're helping so many people

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@hendrikbernat8813]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🤓

[@8205455423]

Why are the subtitles only available in Hindi?

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

It's not something I did, maybe your KZbin settings?

[@naradaramanayaka3291]

what is idea behind the overexposeing skin hiding skin texture 🤔

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

It's a preference and most vintage photos had this look and feel.

[@jackbarron8880]

Too many lights. Old Hollywood look (especially Hurrell) was done with no more than 2 lights, sometimes one. How do you think he got all those shadows?

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

If you want to see some actual Old Hollywood emulation, I have a guide that does that. THIS was simply in the loose style of. And they used a variety of lights and you can even find many bts with more lights depending on the time period in their career. But yes, this was loosely inspired not an emulation.

[@jackbarron8880]

Oh ok, thank you, would love to see that.@@lindsayadlerphoto

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

@@jackbarron8880 👉 lindsayadler.photo/oldhollywood -- also there's no such thing as too many lights! 😝

[@alexngandu]

First😋

[@AV84USA]

That is not even close to old Hollywood “George Hurrell” style lighting. It honestly makes it look more like ruPaul dress-up lighting.

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

"Inspired by". I didn't say it was. I'm not trying to emulate. Also, thanks for trolling. ;)

[@AV84USA]

@@lindsayadlerphoto ok, I deserved that ;) however, in my defense, I arrived on your video from an email from Profoto touting it as “Master Old Hollywood lighting techniques…” and I am a big fan of Hollywood fresnel hot lights and studio photography of that era.

[@lindsayadlerphoto]

@@AV84USA I literally teach a class on Hurrell, Horst, Bull, and more. This was not that. :P