5 Lighting Setups Every Beginner Can Try in a Studio

1. One-Light Portrait Setup

A single softbox or umbrella placed at a 45-degree angle creates soft, flattering light. This is one of the easiest lighting setups for new photographers, great for headshots and portraits.

What You Need:

• Softbox or umbrella

• Continuous light or strobe

• Reflector for fill light

2. High-Key Lighting for Bright, Airy Photos

For clean, evenly lit portraits, use two soft lights positioned at equal power on either side of your subject. A white backdrop and floor reflect light, eliminating shadows.

What You Need:

• Two softboxes

• White backdrop

• Optional: Additional fill light behind the subject

3. Low-Key Dramatic Lighting

For moody, high-contrast shots, use a single directional light and block excess light with black flags or V-flats. This setup is great for fashion and artistic portraits.

What You Need:

• A bare bulb or grid light modifier

• Black V-flats or flags to control shadows

• Optional: A second light for subtle fill

4. Rembrandt Lighting for Classic Portraits

Named after the famous painter, this technique creates a small triangle of light on the shadowed side of the subject’s face. Position the key light high and at a 45-degree angle.

What You Need:

• A softbox or beauty dish

• Reflector for slight fill

• Optional: Background light for separation

5. Backlit Silhouette Setup

For creative silhouettes, place a bright light source behind your subject and expose for the background. This works well for dramatic fashion or conceptual shots.

What You Need:

• A powerful strobe or continuous light

• A white or gradient background

• Optional: A rim light for subtle edge definition

Final Thoughts

Mastering these beginner lighting studio rental in Toronto setups will give you a strong foundation for studio work. Start simple, experiment with positioning, and adjust power levels to shape the light exactly how you want it.