Headshot Lighting Inspiration: Face
Some simple changes in lighting can alter how our faces look. Frontal lighting can help smooth out skin that will flatter a wide variety of faces. A light from the side can create more interest by adding in some shadow and texture, sculpting and slimming the face.
There is no one right answer for everyone, and we can talk about what might be best for you.
Option A.
Frontal light + soft reflector to fill in some shadow.
The soft main light from above casts a lovely uniform light on the face which helps smooth texture. A large white reflector helps to subtly fill in any shadows, while still letting the directionality of the main light do the heavy lifting.
Option B.
Frontal light + punchy reflector for some fill.
The soft main light from above stays the same. A large curved silver reflector below the subject bounces more light up to fill in more shadow. This set up is more evenly lit from top to bottom, and creates a lovely curved catchlight in the bottom of the eye, creating a bit more sparkle.
Option C.
Rembrandt Lighting (side lighting) with no fill.
A large light high and to the side of the subject divides the face between a brighter and half and a more shadowed half. This gives the image a more sculpted quality, while adding a little mood and drama. Also, by only lighting half of the face, it has a slimming effect which you may like.
Option D.
Rembrandt Lighting (side lighting) with soft fill.
Just like the previous example, you have a large light high and to the side of the subject. Here, we add a large bounce reflector to on the darker side of the face to lift up some on the shadows a little bit. You still get some of the sculpting quality you get from a directional light, but filling in the shadows softens the overall look.
Option E.
Parallel strip boxes.
Similar effect to the frontal light from above, this setup gives a very uniform light from top to bottom. Being directional lights from the side though, you get a little more shape in the nose and cheeks, as well as slightly more separation from the background. You also get a unique set of parallel catchlights in the eye.
Option F.
Angled strip boxes with some fill light from below.
Similar effect to the parallel lights in Option E. I angle the strip boxes a bit, then fit in a reflector from below. Very even light across the face, with some of the shadows from below being filled in. An interesting angled catchlight in the eyes as well.