On Location Setup for Corporate Headshots | Ask David Bergman

[@ziad.mp4]

man not gonna lie the single light was honestly my favorite look, just feels more authentic/natural

[@mattorrz759]

I think a lot of corporates would totally accept that single light image if you didn’t show them the other options. Great demo as usual David 👌

[@jamilgotcher365]

I agree, the light one had such nice lights on her eyes or her eyes were more open and at the end of the day, most people always want the photo where they look the best. We've done session for individual headshots with and without a hair light, that would be our 4th light (we always use a main, a fill light and back light on the background) They'd rather choose the one where they look the best over the one with a hair light.

[@peterguman7298]

One key light, a backdrop light, and a reflector. Thanks for the video!

[@LongTimeTTFan]

The one-light shot produces a more flattering image, I think. The catch light is much more noticeable in the last shot as well.

[@brad_in_yyc]

When I shoot headshots I usually use one key light with a curved reflector underneath and sometime a rim light or two. Great video David. I might incorporate a hair light soon.

[@rolvmariusfaleide3093]

I really loved your single light setup without the grid. It is how I have done pictures for the company I worked for (not as a photog.). It's the way I've done it too, with a single umbrella in reflecting mode, in front of a projection screen, and a large reflector. It's the easiest way to get the same result from many locations. I find I needed two setups, and I've used a lounge table (high) as fill light. Because of reflection in glasses, or reflection off bald heads. For women with hair on their heads, I keep the reflector on the table in front of them and the umbrella above. I also like the look of a large umbrella quite close to the subject in front of them, and step back quite a bit to make the shot, but that does not work if they're wearing glasses. So then the rest I use your same setup, with an almost rembrandt and reflector to fill on its own stand.

[@jamilgotcher5456]

I liked the single light without the grid too, there was more light in her eyes. Yes, it needs to be discussed that you shouldn't use a hair light on bald heads. I feel so bad for the guy when I've seen the hair light on a bald head, not very experienced photographers do that.

[@Kaveri-Jagriti30510]

Great tips Dave! The clients will be blown away with just a flash and backdrop. Keep it simple!

[@KevinRusso]

I love the one-light headshot. I use it a lot, whenever I can. I show my clients those images to see if they like the look. Many times for corporate images I need 2 or 3 lights, 1 main 1, fill, 1and,1 background, for 2 lights I use a Main and fill and let the main partially light the background.

[@jlafoon]

Love the ADB segments, look forward to them! The few I have done for real estate agent clients have been with a single key light with an octa-box and a white reflector for fill, and a background light on a gray wall in my office studio to adjust from black to gray or white as necessary by adjusting the strobe power. I don't generally shoot portraits only real estate, so I kept it simple when they asked for head shots. The clients were happy, so I was happy. I am actually thinking of expanding that service more generally based on the results and simplicity of quick side-gig setup when needed. Keep up the awesome work!

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@wendystumbaugh695]

Fantastic question and video! I use 4 lights: a 600w key in a 36”RapidBox, 200w fill in a gridded 1’x3’, 200w rim in a gridded 1’x3’ and speedlight with a magsphere backdrop vignette. I love the results!!!

[@wendystumbaugh695]

I do that exact same thing! Thank you for posting!

[@wendystumbaugh695]

Curious if your “fill” is below your subject like an eyelighter or 45 degrees off to the other side from the grid. I cannot believe how exact your setup is to mine!

[@darklighthouse999]

David - thanks for the video. It is a good summary!! When I do headshots, I use a key light, a hair light, and usually a background light or two.. Max of four lights, with all speed lights except for the key light, which is usually a softbox.. For fill, I use a silver reflector - which one depends on the setup.

[@jpdj2715]

That's an excellent demonstration, David. My setups? Here are two examples. Generally a key (1) and fill (2) but these can be in two ways (camera left and right, or clamshell). Then I may light the backdrop (3, 4). I may add an effect light (5) over that. Then I generally have a snooted hairlight (6). Depending on mood and looks there's an optional kicker (7) as a way to get a subtle light rim around the "sitter's" body. Generally, I run half of this on manual radio triggers and the other half on TTL. The "effect lights" in this setup are all about subtlety. But I could do a very simple soft lighting as alternative where I use two 3'x4' softboxes at 1'..2' distance creating a 9'..10' wide "cloudy sky", firing the light with the front diffuser horizontally slightly higher than the subject. The farthest edge of the softboxes not yet over the subject. This may need a separate flash for a catch light (because a portrait without catchlights looks rather deceased). This gives very natural soft light and the feathering defeats the inverse square law to large extent. Ideal for groups or problem skin that needs soft light. Or for a portrait matching modern feminine lifestyle magazines. Many variations, though, with less light sources. Or a single beauty dish for butterfly light, probably with a second light on the background. If you look at your shots in the video, you can see that the hair-light makes a big difference. Against a dark background, that applies to a kicker as well. But it may look a bit anachronistic to some people, today. What I miss most, today, is the proportional modelling light we would have in the pack based studio strobe set of between 40 and 50 years ago already. But that needed AC and was not portable.

[@jgates]

Thank you, David! I've wondered what it really looked like to use different numbers of lights and here is my answer. Much appreciated!

[@rogermanning4353]

Really a good primer on how you can different looks with very small changes. As for me I generally use three lights . . . Rembrandt key, kicker, and background. Sometimes I switch up to a clamshell with reflector, kicker, and background. Someday I may go all Peter Hurley and try his triangle setup with constant lights. Cheers!

[@gentlegnt]

Excellent work, David. Real time...not breaks that we could see in footage, so we got to see what you experienced and the side by side comparisons were extremely helpful. I make the mistake of using 4 lights (one box LED on either side of subject) one underneath chin, one key light 45 degree to camera left, but FAILED to bring a hair light and background was solid black. Okay on grey and blond hair, but dark brown and black hair? Nope! No separation and post correcting it was an expensive pain. I do not possess the skill set. Valuable lesson learned!!👍🏾📸😊

[@janvanheerden265]

I think the 1 light headshot was the best

[@tmhart43]

I agree!

[@jimmyhinAK]

I follow allot of photographers on KZbin and the the theme for most of them when it comes to lighting is keep it simple especially for beginners.

[@nelsonalbanosr1833]

Ooko9o​@@tmhart43

[@bala1000mina]

Awesome as usual! Thanks Adorama, Thanks David!

[@RickMahoney2013]

A friend of mine did corporate head shots with a Nikon D 40x and a SB-600 with a little photo shop and made very good money doing it.

[@richardwintle1020]

I've done some corporate headshots, typically with one umbrella key in more-or-less Rembrandt position, and a white popup reflector on the opposite side. Obviously that doesn't help me with the background, but I find I can light it pretty evenly with spill/wrap from the umbrella. For grad and awards banquet headshots I usually use two crossed umbrellas, one powered down a bit to make the light on the face a little less symmetrical. Umbrellas because they're lightweight and dead simple to pack in and out (and can go on lightweight flash stands). I need to think more about background and rim lights though. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@robertatwell7615]

For many years I used a 7ft Octadome as main, a background light if necessary, a reflector for fill, and a hair light usually a snoot or small softbox with grid. For couples I'd add a 6x4 foot softbox for fill to replace the reflector.

[@dannydanquah3681]

Wonderfully done. Thanks for sharing David😍❤

[@MrDonNelson]

In the last shot I bet without the egg crate, and if you had the hair light it would give just a bit more pop and be acceptable. Lighting is an art in itself.

[@ryanvinsonphotography2143]

I just did my first practice headshots right before seeing this! I did one light in a Manfrotto HiLite for a white backdrop and a softbox key light above, with the model seated and holding a V-Flat in her lap to bounce the light up. I had another light available, but thought this did the job without getting too much gear in the way.

[@clarkconway8796]

A lot of people don't understand how exhausting being a photographer can be. LOL! I recently purchased the Wescott eye-lighter and will be trying it out soon for that special catchlight! 📸😀

[@Mahijuba-Taruni181]

Lighting is key, nice one lighting them from below. Really brings out the jawline.

[@felixrodriguez782]

great way to judge the room for how many light to use depending on what gear one has on hand at the time. question on how big a softbox to use and fill in light when it just one person to shoot the subject which reflector best suites the light white or silver Nice demo David

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

If you're just doing headshots, you can get away with a pretty small modifier. I prefer 36", but you could get away with 24" as well. My next video is about exactly this topic!

[@felixrodriguez782]

@@DavidBergmanPhoto Thanks I will look forward to it and get a better idea how I would setup a carry bag with what I would need plus extras for incase it calls for it

[@daletaylor406]

One light. Go Paramount, slightly lower, and you even up the background side-to-side, get more fill and catchlight in the face / eyes, and have plenty of separation off the background. Or go with a bigger umbrella (up to 72") and shoot from the middle to get classic beauty flat light with 1.

[@charlieross-BRM]

From this series, I think I could get something I find flattering just using the key and . . . unless someone can point out a fault . . . a reflector panel high and back to angle back some of that key lighting as a hair light. The first shot is my pick and the last pick is so similar except for that pleasing hair highlight. David, I'm sure the model didn't need it but I liked the way you relayed some of the interaction with a typical subject to get their face and shoulders relaxed.

[@NoahStephens]

Hi David. Strongly suggest replacing those Orlit 610s ASAP. As I’m sure you know, the battery is faulty. After simply being difficult to latch, I went yo prepare for a shoot one day and discovered the battery had exploded open like a Pillbury biscuit package. I ended up getting a set of Godox AD600 Pros and they are are so much nicer to use! Also, the battery design is rock solid

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Yup. I'm switching very soon. Likely going with the Westcott lights.

[@TheOneWillFocus]

I always bring 3. I can do 1 but would choose my diffuser specifically depending on the type of shot. Those who like minimal shadows would get my large parabolic umbrella or for some contrast my parabolic softbox. When shooting non mobile I use 4 lights and a reflector.

[@DanielFazzari]

Very useful demonstration, thank you!

[@ScottTice1971]

I use 2 usually... AD600Pro in Westcott 36" Octa as key and AD200 in a Glow HexaPop 24" as a secondary. Sometimes add the reflector below for fill. Quick and easy for remote work.

[@danbrowning2418]

Well done video. Interesting how close 1 light looks to 5 lights. I generally use 2-3 lights and a reflector.

[@amiraltaha2627]

one light looks the best. i use one light plus a reflector. hair light is risky as it may bring out the grey hair of the subject i would also bring the main light a little bit lower to avoid unwanted shadow under the chin 😊

[@jamilgotcher365]

We always turn the hair light away if the man has no hair. I can't believe it when I see headshots with a hair light on a bald guy.

[@dandipalma8687]

Awesome as always. Thanks David.

[@vernon_4411]

A good tutorial on portrait lighting. Reflectors can be a helpful lighting tool for the task.

[@COLEA001]

Usually 4 with a catchlight reflector. My last corporate headshot session wanted natural light so I used 2 V Flats

[@karlweb1]

My set up is Profoto D2 main mola Demi Eye lighter fill A1X with a 1X3 and grid hair light B2 1X4 with a grid kicker B2 background light

[@JosesGarage101]

When I worked as a school photagrepher back in the days I used 3 light, 1key 1fill 1 hair on a snute........amazing results with only 3 light 👍👍👍. Iam workin now at the hospital and iam going to take 35 personal headshots. I can do traditional headshot but I have free hands on this so I would like to do art headshot with lowkey effect and still remain clasy style to it.

[@SamCridlin]

I learned portraiture with 4 lights. Main and on axis fill. Hairlight and centered background. Also that 3x4 is the smallest light for the main. The 90s were very soft light. Also neon backgrounds. 🤷‍♂

[@karlweb1]

Nice to see someone using the orlit They were my go to before my profoto.

[@keithspangler4814]

Thank you for the education!

[@gregarious_one]

Really helpful going in reverse! Thanks!

[@stevewylie4097]

I do high school actors all the time with one light (Elinchrom or Godox) in a diffused umbrella or large octa centered up high and behind me, with an aluminum reflector panel underneath for fill. Shot with the subject practically touching a popup grey backdrop, which minimizes shadow behind the subject. This is good for minimizing the amount of gear necessary to do the job on location. For more mature corporate jobs, I'll use a key light (Elinchrom) fitted into an Elinchrom 39" deep octa, placed roughly 45 degrees up and over to the left as a key light, with another Elinchrom light fitted with a small Varistar shoot-through umbrella behind me and just to my right to create a soft fill on the shadow side, while also killing any shadow from the key light hitting the backdrop. The subject will be placed about a foot or so from the backdrop. Everything in this setup is carefully placed and metered with a light meter to create an even exposure across the backdrop, and a pleasant, non-dramatic light ratio on the subject. All of this gear (either setup) can be fitted into a Think Tank Logistics Manager roller case for transport in one trip from the vehicle into the location. The 5'x7' popup backdrop is bungeed to the front of the Logistics Manager.

[@corpusfusion1574]

David (I have so many Q's) have you done any outdoor corporate portraits? How would the light be and wouldn't a natural background be more visual? Since portraits is a visual art medium. Why not take Corp. portraits outdoors? Despite all the weather hang-ups, in a "Barbie World" it's 75 degrees overcast.

[@jugglerl]

This video is extremely helpfull. Thank you!

[@corpusfusion1574]

David with all the expensive GEAR you have, can you still accomplish corporate portraits with two camera Godox flashes? Godox TT350f & TT685f.

[@BrianKilgoreCanada]

Last headshots I did was 7 individual lawyers, one Godon V1 in hot shoe of a Canon 80D, flash pointed backwards and up, hitting a white circular reflector and bouncing back. Plain white wall behind the individual lawyers. -- BAK __

[@alexpintado]

Wheres the models instagram? Great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@johnleighdesigns]

Great stuff - always a challenge to aim at a consistent background for these type of shots, and matching it to a specific tone of grey or colour is difficult to get right - do you have a tutorial on background replacement where perhaps shoot on a decent mid grey and use that to be able to replace with a specific grey solid colour that matches clients brand background choice for consistency matching their previous shots

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Not sure there's an easy answer except to use the same exact color and meter the light to within a 10th of a stop. If you're the one shooting over multiple sessions, you could also shoot the background separately with no one in front of it so you can use that for background replacement if needed. A lot of extra work though, so make sure you charge properly for the time!

[@johnleighdesigns]

@@DavidBergmanPhoto awesome thanks for the feedback

[@paulhills1967]

Hi David. Your camera appears to be in landscape orientation but your example photos appear to be in portrait orientation! Love your videos by the way.

[@jaybeckerich]

I saw that too lol

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Yes, I shoot landscape so I have a full-sized thumbnail photo. Especially with the 45 megapixel R5, I know I can easily crop a vertical for the headshot. :)

[@tehs3raph1m]

i read "one light headshot" and thought "i dont care how light it is, a headshot is fatal" then i realised what you meant

[@erinworthington8628]

Can you achieve the one light look by using a 2x3 soft box versus the 8-sided one? The 2x3 size is all I have. But I also have 2 umbrellas. Thanks!

[@godbelow]

So don't waste time dragging tons of lighting around with you, a large single octabox does the trick perfectly.

[@razibravopak9460]

Excellent service

[@mariatheresesommar]

Single light was my favourite as well. Her eyes disappear in the other ones. Could have been easily avoided by lowering the light! When you light the background, her hair looks messier and a bit frizzy with highlighted ends sticking out. Lit from the front, it looks smooth.

[@williamebert6047]

I use 3 x 36” Magmod strip boxes triangular shape w/ back ground speed light with MagMod sphere

[@randyjaquez7269]

Great video by the way

[@naslisntxaij]

Great video! Thank u!

[@ZedsDeadOK]

Not exactly the same but I took a portrait photo in bright day light and to get around the shadows in the eyes etc I used a white plastic carrier bag as a reflector the person held it at waist height and I was amazed at what a difference it made, for a non professional you don't always need expensive gear.

[@EL-ez9uw]

Great video - thanks!

[@randyjaquez7269]

I like the one light very much

[@frits1463]

If I can: 1 light + reflector. Plus, if needed, gear for hair, kicker and background light.

[@markglenday7291]

Hi David, I am using Godox AD300 Pro could this work using the AD300 Pro, or would you recommend a 400WS or 600WS. Thanks from Mark in Australia

[@camaraphotography9237]

I think as photographers we sometimes overthink our lighting. Carrying in 5 lights to an office location (where I shoot most of my headshots) is a PITA, for minimal benefits (if any). Just because we have the lights, and know how to use them, doesn't mean we always should.

[@TheOlandex]

So I do some headshots, or "corporate portraits", but in my own small studio space rather than on-site. I use four lights and a reflector, so a key light, a fill light, a background light, a hair light/kicker and the reflector for bottom fill. Basically just like you described. I also use that same Savage grey paper backdrop. Now if I were asked to do the shots on-site I'd have to seriously think about it. I don't have an assistant and I'd hate to lug all that gear alone. I think I'd almost rather go scope out the location before the shoot and then bring what gear I felt is necessary for the space. If I couldn't do that... hmmm. Guess I'd for sure bring two lights and two reflectors along with a few different modifier options. That said, I think the shot you did there with a single light looked great and would meet most client needs, so that's reassuring. Thanks!

[@briansmith5843]

I personally like the results of the 1 light shot the best. The lighting on her is the most even. 2 lights is not good at all. Thanks!

[@ChefDinon]

I agree- it feels more natural- 2 needs more light in the eyes

[@chetkarlewicz1625]

This camera guy picked a beauty for his model

[@ArmindoDaSilva-g5u]

Great Tutorial, but how to avoid reflections in sunglasses due to the Fill light (on the Floor) and still using it?

[@christhelifeform]

Honestly I like the 1 light without grid the best. Probably partially because it's a bit brighter overall than the others, and her eyes are brighter and more blue and the catchlight is bigger. But also because most of the time I think hairlights look too fake, like you're on stage at a play or something. Like why is there a light directly above. They look kinda cheap and artificial or old school to me. I prefer something that looks more natural. I'm going to be doing a 1 or 2 light setup, testing rim lighting with the second light or for the backdrop, and a reflector.

[@kevingriffin5774]

What kind of flash are you using and what Canon is that.

[@DanielFazzari]

see 2:44

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Links are all in the description, but I'm using Canon 600EX-RT Speedlites, Orlit RT610 strobes, and the Canon R5 body.

[@corpusfusion1574]

David how to reach out to corporate companies/offices for them to hire me/us? Do I random email/submit to corporate companies/offices? How to fine these corporate companies/offices? Do I google these offices in my local city and just email them?

[@neostephens8980]

Dang! That's a lot of gear for an on location shoot.

[@johnclay7644]

informative 16mins on Headshots.

[@MusicFed]

anyone knows what that little light stand is for the 2x3 softbox in front of the model?

[@iseenithere]

Are you cropping the images to portrait? The camera was in landscape the entire video.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Yes. I shoot horizontally for the KZbin thumbnail pic. Very easy to crop the 45-megapixel image from my Canon R5 into a vertical for a traditional headshot.

[@d.s1014]

One light with a reflector and one for hairlight

[@olewismediagroup]

So why do the images look they were shot in portrait mode but the camera is setup in Landscape position? Are the images cropped on the sides?

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Yes. I shoot horizontal mostly for the KZbin thumbnail but then crop in post for the headshots.

[@olewismediagroup]

@@DavidBergmanPhoto ok cool, thanks for responding 👌🏾💪🏾

[@matthewjeffres4640]

I like thee single and the 5 light set ups. Everything else seems to be missing something

[@kodithebear]

To dark. In the 20 yrs I've captured corporate portraits no one wants dark like this. People want well lit that is flattering. One large soft light is enough. KISS.

[@zflightpro]

what are your feelings on using constant lighting as apposed to strobes? I am just starting out and have some Godox constant lights for video

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

You can get the same look using the same modifiers. But constant lights don't put out nearly as much light as strobes, so you'd likely need to raise your ISO and/or slow down your shutter speed. Just shoot a lot and ask your subject to stay as still as possible.

[@captureitphotography2352]

@@DavidBergmanPhoto I use godox FL150s for headshots - but you have to have them relatively close to your subject to get the most out of them. That being said, I only need to use them at about 35%, shooting f/4, ISO 200, 1/125. There are pros and cons to each system, but ultimately you want to control light. So use the system that you feel lets you do that the most effectively.

[@lyonsphotography]

I usually use 2 lights and a curved reflector.

[@Tuttle64]

How come you camera is horizontal and you are getting vertical photos?

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

I shoot horizontal for the KZbin thumbnail. The R5 gives me plenty of megapixels so I can crop vertically for a typical headshot look.

[@surmelita]

Her face looks best with the one light setup without the grid. On the other setups I found her face to look little bit too dark and the catchlights in her eyes wasn’t that noticeable.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

Honestly, the best looking one is one light without the grid

[@DonaldWMeyers-dwm]

As @DanielNortonPhotographer says, the more lights you use, the more you can charge. ;-)

[@The12thSeahorse]

Off course your going bring all your five lights and more, you are shooting people who are earning $150k per year and much more! They have to have the right look to show off their adversaries. And these types of clientele are very busy with little time on their hands for a photo shoot. You have to get things right there and then.

[@pompoBresciani]

Speedlights!!! 😂

[@danielaguzman6641]

Is that a model or a real corporat employee?

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Not a profesional model. :)

[@collincourtois8587]

She is stunningly beautiful! And you did a great job as well ;-)

[@SpotBentley]

One light, no grid, and feathered would give a better product than any you've shown.

[@diegolucano3354]

The more lights you add, the more dimension you give the frizzy strands of hair.

[@jesusgjchuza6491]

😎😎