Simple Studio Setups for Stunning Portraits: A Beginner's Guide

Image Source: Oladimeji Odunsi - Unsplash & Adobe Stock

Portrait photography is as much about preparation as it is about technique. A well-planned studio setup can transform a simple portrait into a masterpiece, showcasing emotion, depth, and creativity. This guide explores essential studio portrait photography tips, from basic setups to advanced techniques, empowering beginners to create stunning portraits with minimal equipment and space.

Understanding the Basics

Creating captivating portraits begins with mastering a few essential elements:

Light:

Light is the cornerstone of portrait photography. The quality, direction, and intensity of light set the tone and mood of your images. Whether working with natural light streaming through a window or controlled studio lighting, learning to position and manipulate light is critical for achieving your desired results.

Space:

Even a small room can work as a studio. Clear clutter, ensure proper ventilation, and prioritise space between the subject and the background to avoid shadows.

Equipment:

Beginners can start with a simple setup that doesn’t break the bank. Essential tools include:

• A DSLR or mirrorless camera
• A single light source (e.g., a softbox or speedlight)
• Reflectors for filling shadows
• A tripod for stability

Image Source: Adobe Stock

Lighting Setups

Lighting is the backbone of any great portrait. Here’s a step-by-step look at three foundational lighting setups to help you get started:

One-Light Setup

A one-light setup is simple yet versatile, perfect for beginners mastering the basics of portrait lighting.

• Position and Angle: Place your light source at a 45-degree angle to the subject for defined, natural-looking shadows. Experiment with positioning to find the most flattering angle for your subject’s features.
• Modifiers: Use a softbox or umbrella to diffuse the light, minimising harsh shadows and creating an even, flattering glow.
• Mood Variations: Adjust the light's height or distance to create different effects—raise it for dramatic shadows or move it closer for softer, even lighting that enhances skin tones.

Two-Light Setup

Adding a second light enhances depth and reduces shadows, offering greater creative control.

• Key Light and Fill Light: The key light remains your primary source of illumination, while the fill light balances and softens shadows for a more polished result.
• Balancing Ratios: Control contrast with reflectors or a secondary light source. A lower power fill light intensity creates more dramatic depth, while a brighter fill maintains a softer look.

Three-Light Setup

A three-light setup introduces more complexity, allowing for professional-grade portraits with added depth and texture.

• Foreground Light: Positioned to illuminate the subject as discussed in the previous section.
• Background Light: Positioned to illuminate the backdrop, this light adds separation between the subject and the background, creating a professional, polished look.
• Hair Light: Placed above and behind the subject, this light highlights hair and adds a subtle glow, bringing dimension and texture to the image.
• Advanced Techniques: Experiment with gels to introduce coloured effects or grids to focus the light and avoid spill, adding a creative flair to your portraits.

Image Source: Adobe Stock & Evgeny Bauder - Unsplash

Backgrounds

A well-selected background can elevate your portrait, providing context and enhancing the subject’s presence. Here are three versatile options to consider:

• Seamless Paper: Available in various colours, it provides a clean, consistent look.
• Fabric Backdrops: Add texture and richness to your portraits with materials like muslin or velvet.
• DIY Options: Use textured walls, large sheets, or even a well-lit corner to create unique settings on a budget.

Posing Your Subject

Comfortable subjects lead to natural portraits. Keep these tips in mind:

• Basic Guidelines: Encourage relaxed shoulders, slight angles, and natural postures.
• Facial Expressions: Direct subtle changes in head position or gaze to add depth and emotion.
• Body Types: Adapt poses to highlight the subject's best features, ensuring they feel confident and comfortable.

Camera Settings

Optimal camera settings ensure your portraits are sharp and well-lit:

• Aperture: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8–f/5.6) for a blurred background and sharp subject focus.
• Shutter Speed: Choose a speed fast enough to eliminate motion blur, typically 1/125s or faster.
• ISO: Keep ISO low (e.g., 100–400) to reduce noise unless working in low light.
• White Balance: Match the white balance to your light source to maintain accurate colours.
• RAW vs. JPEG: Shooting in RAW provides greater flexibility in post-processing.

Image Source: Adobe Stock

Post-Processing Basics

Editing is where good portraits become great. Software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop allows you to refine your work for professional results.

• Essential Adjustments: Begin with exposure, contrast, and white balance to achieve accurate tones and lighting.
• Skin Retouching: Subtly remove blemishes and smooth skin while preserving natural texture.
• Creative Enhancements: Apply subtle vignettes, adjust highlights and shadows, or experiment with colour grading to enhance mood.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls for professional-looking portraits:

• Overcomplicating the Setup: Stick to simple lighting and equipment as you learn.
• Ignoring Subject Comfort: Engage with your subject to ensure they feel at ease.
• Neglecting Details: Check for wrinkled backdrops, stray hairs, or distracting props before shooting.

Image Source: Stewart Maclean & Simona Sergi - Unsplash

Budget-Friendly Tips

Great studio portraits don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here’s how to make the most of what you have:

• DIY Modifiers: Create light reflectors with aluminium foil or diffusers with translucent fabric for soft lighting.
• Repurpose Household Items: Mirrors, chairs, or textured fabrics can add visual interest and depth to your compositions.
• Natural Light: Large windows or sheer curtains can serve as effective light sources when working without studio equipment.

Tips by PI Course Author & Tutor George Seper

Sitters for portraits can feel quite vulnerable since they are often acutely aware of their “flaws and imperfections”, and it is imperative that you as the photographer make them feel as relaxed and confident as possible. Time spent chatting prior to commencing the photography session will pay dividends and always result in a better portrait. Most people wish to be flattered, and it is useful to take this opportunity to casually study the facial characteristics and mannerisms of your subject, which will help you determine the best type of lighting to employ. In most societies, it is impolite to stare at people, so be discreet when studying your subject.

It is important to discuss that the portrait is a collaboration between the subject and the photographer and that the two of you are making a portrait together. It is always worth asking what “look” your subject would like to achieve, especially if they are paying for their portrait.

Image Source: Adobe Stock

Here are some quick guidelines to help you to flatter your subjects:

• People often have lopsided faces to varying degrees, and if you recognize this in your subject it is best to avoid photographing them looking square into the lens. It doesn’t take much of a sideways angle to avoid symmetry.
• Unless you discover that your subject loves their large nose it is best to avoid profile shots.
• Older subjects with facial lines or people with blemishes usually look best in soft light, so use a soft-box and lots of fill.
• Avoid backlighting or top lighting men who are bald or balding, to avoid highlighting their lack of hair.
• People with pointy faces often look best when a telephoto lens is used to compress perspective, and people with round faces often look best when “normal or slightly long” lenses are used to add some slight foreshortening.
• Never use a wide-angle lens when making portraits unless you are making a caricature of your subject.

Master Studio Portrait Photography with PI

Creating stunning studio portraits is about mastering simplicity, understanding lighting, and building confidence in your techniques. With foundational setups, creative backgrounds, and thoughtful subject posing, you can achieve professional-looking results even on a budget.

At The Photography Institute, our online photography course goes beyond the basics. In Module 10: Photography Business & Studio Essentials, you’ll explore advanced studio techniques, with access to visual examples and expert guidance to refine your skills.

Ready to elevate your craft and transform your passion into professional expertise? Enrol today and unlock the full potential of studio portrait photography.