3 Foolproof Beauty Lighting Setups [That use my favorite modifier!]
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 พ.ย. 2024
- Learn these 3 foolproof beauty lighting setups and master using a beauty dish!
👉 Beauty Lighting Guide: lindsayadler.p... (coming soon)
👉 For more videos featuring Lindsay check out Adorama TV: / adorama
👉 Savage C-Stand mentioned in video: adorama.rfvk.n...
Successful beauty images are a combination of a few important elements: Model choice, makeup, lighting, and retouching. Each one of these elements work together, and if one falls short… the image won’t reach its potential. That being said, did you know most beauty lighting is pretty simple and straightforward? Sure, you can get creative (and I do), but I’d like to make sure I introduce you 3 simple / foolproof beauty lighting setups.
I use a C-stand for my main light in every setup I ever do because I want the strength and stability a it. Furthermore, in beauty photography I often place my strobe in a paramount light position (centered) and the C-stand arm allows me to center the light without the pole/stand getting in the way. In this video I am featuring the Savage C-Stand because it has a bonus feature! It has a riser (little pole basically) on one of its legs that can be used to attach a second light OR you can use it when working on stairs for in tight corners. It's a great C-stand if you want some versatility and for it to hold multiple strobes at once!
In these setups I am going to use one of the most common light modifiers for beauty photography… you guess it… a beauty dish! A beauty dish creates beautiful smooth light on the skin that is soft, but it also has a bit of contrast and pop to the shadows. It's great for sculpting features and flattering your subject and creating radiant looking skin.
Let’s take a look a 3 lighting setups, all using a beauty dish:
👉 SETUP #1: Clean Beauty
Purpose: This setup is glowing, high key, and often when I am showcasing skincare. That’s why you’ll notice this first look has minimal makeup, it's very fresh and glowing.
✅ Strobes: 3 Strobes
Step 1: Begin by placing 3x4ft directly behind your subject. This gives you a high key white background and creates rim lights that wrap around your subject and beautifully flatters their jawline and cheekbones.
Step 2: Add your main light (a white beauty dish) on a C-stand so it is centered in front of your subject. Here I’m using a Savage C-stand.
Step 3: Put a 1x4ft strip softbox underneath your subject’s chin to fill the shadows. This is call clam shell light.
✅ Savage C-stand: What’s great about this Savage C-stand is that it actually has a second riser that can be attached to the C-stand leg. This means I can add a strobe directly below the main light that is perfect for clam shell lighting without having to bring in another stand that may get in the way.
👉 Setup #2: Warmth
Purpose: This one is also fabulous when you want warm and healthy looking skin and hair. I typically use a Savage Universal Beige or Cocoa background based upon the subject’s skin tone. I choose seamless paper because it is easy for me to light (or not light) to change the tonality to be exactly what I need. Its clean and easy to modify.
✅ Strobes: 2 Strobes
Step 1: Set up a white beauty dish as your main light. It can be centered or slightly to the right of frame.
Step 2: Add a strobe with a 20 degree grid to light the background.
Step 3: Have someone blow or move the hair to create energy or interest.
👉 SETUP #3: Luxurious Hair
Purpose; This shot is meant to be darker, more dramatic and more luxurious. I recommend a darker background (here Savage Universal Black) for richer results.
✅ Strobes: 3-4 Strobes
Step 1: Use a centered silver beauty dish for a bit more contrast. To learn the difference of white vs. silver beauty dish, check out my other video on the subject.
Step 2: Add two strip softboxes (1x4ft) on either side of the frame as rim lights. Raise them up tall so they illuminate the top the hair.
Step 3: Place a silver bounce reflector under the chin to brighten the shadows or consider a 4th strobe if you have one.
Gear used in this video:
✅ Canon R5 adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Canon RF 24-105mm 4.0 adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Canon 70-200mm 2.8 adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Profoto D2 adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Profoto Beauty Dish White adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Profoto Beauty Dish Silver adorama.rfvk.net/mVvmO
✅ Profoto Strip Softbox adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Profoto Grid adorama.rfvk.n...
✅ Savage C-Stand adorama.rfvk.n...
🔥 Want to learn these types of techniques and more? Check out my class Master Studio Lighting: lindsayadler.p....
Some of the links in this description contain affiliate links to partners.
but wait that C-Stand got me all shook up! When she leveled it out on the step i almost cried.
LOL!!
I absolutely love the simplicity of the second light setup and the depth of the background with the grid on background! 🔥🔥🔥 Also can we take a minute to appreciate Lindsay's makeup!!!!
The Clam Shell setup is my favorite. It’s simple and creates a crisp clean look that makes everyone look great. 🔥
Always impressed by your ability to sculpt with your lighting sets. Liked the use of the bottom light to clam shell your set up.
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much Lindsay for sharing your knowledge to the world. I’m literally starting photography after years of procrastinating, but like my wise dad always say “it’s never too late to start”. I’ve been trying to find a photographer mentor to follow and I can honestly say that I’ve learned so much since I found your videos on TH-cam. I’ve even placed an order for the Westcott Optical spot, which I think is an amazing tool and I can’t wait to put it to use. I’m base in Dubai UAE 🇦🇪 and I can’t wait to learn more from you and take amazing beauty photos.
Many many thanks again for sharing your blessings.
Aw thanks so much for the kind words! I'm happy to hear that you're starting your photography journey and I can help along the way! :)
Same with me. From film, switching to digital. I bought most of my equipment used though to save money. The main thing is practice, practice, and more practice. And learn from pros like Lindsay!
Ohhhhhhh the first lightning set up! The softbox behind! 🔥🔥🔥
Saw the riser holding the strip box on the Savage stand and to provide stability on the stairs and said “I’ve GOTTA get one of those!” 🔥Torn between the image at 8:20 (set up 2 with the grid) and the image at 10:40 (set up 3), but have to give the nod to 8:20. 🔥🔥Totally agree the whimsical blowing hair provides an energy, drama, and an unscripted inimitableness that brings the image to life; which is probably why I liked both images so much. Thank you for sharing!
The classes are great for personal work or a campaign for holidays for a E Commerce site. Thanks!!
The first set is my favourite, the pure white background and its reflex on the head creates a dreamy atmosphere. 😍
Sooo I’m actually realizing how much more I would like to incorporate clam shell, in many setups. I’ve been using a large key strobe allot with different colored gelled side lighting. I like the polish with the clam shell. Fire 🔥
Very nice hints and amazing pictures. I also like this special C-Stand which is very useful. Unfortunately it seems I can't buy it in Germany the moment.
You make understanding light sooo simple ! Like you said… think about how you want to light , one light at a time.
awww. that is my goal!
Quick Question.. What tripod do you use? Do you know an affordable tripod that can tilt horizontal?
I like the third setting. The fluttering hair and the contours of the face are expressed very smoothly, in addition, they reflect light on the pupil to give it a sparkle to highlight its vividness and beauty. 🔥🔥🔥
I have been using a soft box and reflector for clamshell lighting for years....Now I need to get a beauty dish. All 3 setups gave great results.🔥🔥🔥
I ordered a book on posing a week ago, I didn’t pay attention to the Author name, but last night I watched your video and said damn she is amazing, then my book came and I saw the name Lindsay Adler, I said let me go back to the video again and see who is this person, AND LO AND BEHOLD IT WAS YOU !!! I FEEL LIKE I HIT THE LOTTO TONIGHT , YOU ARE THE AUTHOR OF MY BOOK THAT I JUST GOT IN TONIGHT 👏🏾🏆
Digging the second setup, love the addition of the grid on the background light 🔥💯!!!
Really like the third setup using the two strip softboxes. It really brings out the model's strengths and emphasizes the makeup and styling. 🔥🏆
The second setup is my personal favorite. It shows the versatility of grids! 🔥
I love the drama of the 3rd set up. It's so rich and velvety. 🔥🔥🔥
I'm a big fan of the third setup - I love the dramatic contrast you get using a dark backdrop and a beauty dish. 🔥🔥🔥
The second setup is the one I will probably use as a go-to setup and then modify it as needed. 🔥
I bought 2 beauty dishes and haven't used them yet because I wasn't quite sure how best to position them, now I'm giving them a try this weekend. I'll start with the 1st and work my way through a couple setups. 🔥🔥🔥
All 3 are great, and the details of each are widely applicable to other types of set-ups. My fave is the second set-up. To me this one's final results are more subtle and pleasing to the eye overall.
Of the three, I prefer the third, it will produce great black & white images.🔥
The 3d set up works best ! Main plus 2 rims and reflector. Dramatic, and brings out details!🔥🔥
My favorite setup is #2 warmth! It’s super versatile, yet minimal and chic so it matches my personal aesthetic. I love having a grid on the background, excited to try this in more of my work! 🔥
This women is an absolute genius
Dear God, you are so talented! (cries) I would give anything to learn/apprentice/work with someone like you!
You are too kind! :)
I love the natural clean skincare lighting you use in lighting setup #1. 🔥
I just started phtography with artificial light and your channel is full of treasure. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you found the videos helpful! :)
I agree I cannot stop. Hidden gem. Have any Maternity type shoot lighting?
Not specifically, but depending on what you're going for you can apply a lot of techniques from my other videos. Something more dramatic, or backlit etc.
I really like the third set up; the dual soft boxes provide separation and contrast with the background. The Savage stand works well carrying the glamour light safely.
Glad you enjoyed it! :)
I loved all three setups! - I can’t believe what a difference adding a grid to the bare bulb made with the background in set up 2 - but if I had to choose I would pick the third. I really like the look of the two strip soft boxes on the model’s hair. 🔥🔥🔥 Your makeup is gorgeous here 💕
Prefer the first setup and love the use of a soft box as background. 🔥
I love the clean beauty with clamshell in Setup #1 🔥
I love the clam shell lighting setup 🔥 I usually use a reflector as a fill underneath but after watching this I can see using a second light can be so much more useful and that extra stand on the Savage C-stand looks amazing🔥🔥🔥 I sooo need one of these.
I Just freaking love you Lindsay!!!!
Aw thank you so much! :)
Love the look of the first set up...using a softbox as fill with the strobe attached to the c-stand leg stand is perfect! 🔥
I like the third setup, love low key with more drama, and the rim lights in the top of the head. I also like the tip for the hair movement. Great! 🔥
In love with your way of teaching! 🙌🏻 Clear and simple💯
I love the first look the backlit softbox 🔥
she has the most amazing ability to present complex ideas clearly Im amazed by her talent 👍💕
🙏😘
Love love love all Lindsay books and Creative Live lessons
Thank you so much!
Lindsay, I love all three setups but my favorite is the first. I love the idea of a soft box behind the model. I’ve never seen that used before. Awesome look! 🔥The Savage stand with the second riser is genius! I’d love to have that! 🔥Thank you for inspiring me!
The clamshell setup is just 🔥! Really pops. Useful tip on how the stand gets out of the way so you have room to shoot, hold the reflector or bring in a fan for the wind if your working solo. Love your vids Lindsey, you are an inspiration.
I love the drama and make-up in the silver beauty dish in lighting setup 3! 🔥🔥🔥
I like #2 the best. I really appreciate Lindsay's way of sharing photography techniques. 🔥🔥🔥
I absolutely love setup #2
I love how much you can change the look
With just these two lights, easy set up
With dramatic results 🔥
Always love your videos & your teaching style. My favorite is the third setup. A little darker than the previous two. 🔥🔥
Set up #2🔥🔥🔥 with the seemless background is FANTASTIC🔥🔥! I was recently given a peach backdrop and I think this lighting setup will be great! I can't wait to try it out...it may very well be my new favorite !🔥
I love the dramatic lighting and look of the third lighting setup!!!🔥🔥🔥
Lindsay always gives you ideas about new things to try. Like first setup using the beauty dish. 🔥
Lindsay! You're wearing make-up! WOW!
I typically always do wear makeup...
Love the last setup most with the dark background and hair blowing! Thanks Lindsay for another great tutorial! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I loved set up 2. I loved the warm coco background.... I never thought I would choose such a color background, but this video just changed my mind. Thank you Lindsay for always providing such awesome tutorials!! 💜
🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Cool all three lightnings. I am planning to buy my first beauty dish. And start to photoshoot like you :)
Thanks for the video tutorial. I usually, in the studio, prefer your middle look. I do more families than young models. And, that is one great new style of C-stand! 🔥
I love the clamshell!
Cool all three lightnings. 🔥🔥🔥 I am planning to buy my first beauty dish. And start to 🔥
The first is my go to with the background lit by strobes so I can gel them to instantly create different looks and feels to the images. Thanks Lindsay. 🔥🔥🔥
So my most used lighting setup has been the second one. It has never failed me! But most recently I have been shooting clean beauty and I have really tapped into the first setup. 🔥🔥🔥
Your own makeup is on point today! Thanks as always Lindsay
Aw thank you. :)
i love your work , soo smooth and beautiful, amazing and professional , grettings from a cuban fan
Thank you . I love how you explained this and wrote it in the description bar
Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Hi Lindsay, As always amazing! Very, very useful! Thanks a lot! God bless you!
I like all three set ups but love the first set up for clean and fresh look 🔥. The c-stand makes it easier for the clam shell lighting!
1st one is my favorite setup . I’m always lighting a white background but using the soft box as the background I never tried before. Also like the use of the strip box for fill along with the beauty dish. And f course the 3rd one with two strip boxes instead of using umbrellas or barn doors is another truck I will try for sure. 🔥
Love the second setup! The gridded background light is awesome and I just love the soft but still contrasty light on the model's skin! ❤ 🔥
Great work on the videos.
very informative without making it too "confusing". thank you so much!!
Glad that you enjoyed it! :)
Thank you Lindsay for sharing these light setups! I am mostly drawn to the 1st one but I also love the 3rd with glowing silver reflector and beauty dish. 🔥
Excellent
Love your videos. Great instructor and gives back to the community. This is great additional skills to put on resume. Thanks
LOVE that first set up with the high key back ground - its just so stunning and clean! Legit I love all of Lindsay's tutorials always so much quality! I really need to invest in that beauty dish I know its Lindsays favorite and for good reason! Once again another 🔥🔥🔥🔥 video!
I love this tutorial : I stated watching Miguel Quiles tutorials years ago, then you popped up into my life ;-) if Adorama wasn't on the Lindsay Adler ticket i believe i would have missed out on your stunning photography __you are a blessing from God "ahhhhhhh" seriously you are a blessing " please keep sending me tutorials i promise ill watch em _ hea hea hea hea
Thank you so much for the kind words and watching! :)
Great videos!! Take you to next level. Thanks.
Thanks so much!
Where have u been all my lifeeee. Subscribed!
lol. happy to make u happy
Good tips, that second looks is gold
Glad you enjoyed it! :)
🔥the beauty dish is by far my favorite modifier (despite being slightly cumbersome to take on location), I am quite fond of the clamshell lighting of the first set up
Thank you for sharing your secrets. I love the idea of the clam shell lighting. 🔥
I loved the first look the clamshell lightening! 🔥🔥
I like the clamshell setup best.🔥
I see if I can get another book on fashion by fall or spring 24. Love Fashion Flair book.
Thank you Ms. Lindsay!
Thank You Lindsey I have always learned something from every video I have ever watched of yours. The second lighting choice is amazing and I also like the clam shell lighting. You always make things easy to understand. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Really excited about the Savage C stand that looks amazing and so useful for every type of photography. 🔥
So great! Another amazing video Lindsay!
thank you!
The warm and gorgeous skin look is just 🔥🔥🔥!! I'll be honest the idea of the warmer paper, vs white, didn't ross my mind and makes so much sense!
As always, such a great explanation of how to execute these setups!
I like a bit a drama and that last set up was just amazing, am going to have to try a version of that. Your looking great and glowing Lindsay.
2nd setup, with the color harmony of the Coco - niiiiice!
Honestly your videos are EXACTLY what I’ve always wanted/needed/looked for. So informative, amaaaaazing work, not annoying to watch haha, just good quality stuff! Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed this!
Love the first setup, simple, elegant, and great results!🔥🔥🔥❤❤❤
Lindsay! Thanks for all you do! 🔥
The first and the second setups are my favorite!!!
So beautiful!! All of those were amazing looks!!
Thank you!
My favorite setup was #1 Clean Beauty. 🔥
I have used the softbox behind, and the beauty dish in front. Since I only have 2 strobes, I use a reflector to fill in the shadows from underneath.
I really like second setup. More in keeping with what I do. Love the beautiful skin and dramatic lightening. Thanks for what you do for us!
I love clam shell lighting, it's one of my favorite setups as well!! Digging the leg addition on that Savage stand to help save space! Genius 🔥
🔥 Hey Lindsay. Thanks for the great videos you keep putting out. I love setup 3 he best. I adore the clean bold makeup looks.
Your the best Lindsay!!!