Simple 2 Light Portrait Lighting Set-Up
In this article you’ll discover a proven way, to improve the look of your female portraits. As you probably already know, the right light can be flattering and the wrong lighting can blow your shot… In this quick article, you’ll learn how to light beauty portraits like a seasoned pro.

You can use this two light Portrait lighting set-up with either a studio strobe or speed light and the lighting principles are the same. Let’s go over the gear… The images you see in this article were taken with two Paul C Buff, Einstein E640 studio strobes in the studio on grey background paper.
The overhead light modifier was a 22 Inch Mola Demi beauty dish with a white interior with one layer of diffusion and the optional opal glass diffuser installed. The light was positioned front and center and overhead in the butterfly lighting configuration.
The lower light modifier was a Westcott 24 Beauty dish with a white interior as well. It was positioned below and center, facing up on a small stand.
Now you are probably wondering what to set you strobes to, right? If you want to check out a FREE Photography Workshop, you can learn more about it right here…
Portrait Lighting and Retouching Course
The camera and lens I used for this series of shots was the Canon 5D MK
III with the Canon 135 F2. All of the images were shot at F4 which will give you a rough indication of what I had my strobes set to.
Although the Canon 5D MK III is no longer cutting edge, it is still a very solid camera for shooting portraits as well as travel and landscape Photography. And if you already own a bunch of Canon lenses a Canon 6D II is another good option…
If you are looking for the latest version in the 5D series you can check out the Canon 5D MK 4. Nikon and Sony are also great choices for Portraits as well… Would you like to learn more about Portrait lighting and retouching?
If you would like to join me and Rachel in the studio the video below, takes you behind the scenes and reveals a little more about the photo shoot.
Click on play on the video below to learn more about this…
5 Tips To Improve Your Portraits
Portrait Lighting and Retouching Course
When you join me in the studio you’ll also learn how to plan out your portrait lighting set-up properly before you head into the studio. You’ll also discover the minimum modifier size I prefer for shooting portraits. You’ll also discover the proper distance to place your light modifier and a whole lot more…
I hope you enjoyed this quick and…
Simple 2 light portrait lighting set-up.
To uncover more secrets to portrait lighting and to take your images to the next level… Make sure you check out my brand new Portrait Studio Secrets course, you can learn more about it right here.
See you on the inside…
Craig Beckta
Hi Craig ,
thank you for your awesome Lessons.
Hi Reza, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment…
Hi Craig,
Great lighting tips. Is your portrait lighting & retouching course for download or streaming?
Thanks,
Kapongola
Thanks, streaming.