Source: https://restorebunny.com/guides/headshot-lighting-test/

# Set Up Headshot Lighting with One Test Sequence

Start with one main light and inspect the face before adding another. A consistent test sequence makes it easier to understand which change improved the portrait.

Headshots & profiles2 min readUpdated 19 October 2026

## Put the checklist to work

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Quick answer

## The short version

Start with one main light and inspect the face before adding another. A consistent test sequence makes it easier to understand which change improved the portrait.

## A capture or editing plan

Take a baseline frame with the light in its starting position. Move it slightly to the side and compare the eyes, nose shadow and darker cheek. Adjust the source distance or a nearby reflector before adding a second lamp. Keep the camera exposure consistent while comparing positions, then make a final exposure adjustment. Check shiny skin and pale clothing as well as the face.

## When to change the approach

A brighter image is not automatically a better-lit image. If highlights lose visible texture, reduce the capture exposure rather than trying to reconstruct the texture later.

## Worked planning example

Planning example: Record three frames named light-front, light-side and light-side-with-reflector. Compare their shadow edges on a contact sheet, then select the setup that matches the intended directory rather than combining unrelated looks.

## If the first attempt fails

If the darker cheek improves but glasses become unreadable, the light adjustment has solved one issue and created another. Return to the last usable frame, then make a smaller movement. Label the test images by the actual adjustment rather than by preference. This lets a second person reproduce the chosen arrangement without guessing which of several almost identical previews was approved.

## Before you finish

1. Compare the same expression under each setup.
2. Inspect both eyes and the nose shadow.
3. Check bright skin and clothing for lost detail.

## FAQs

What should I check first for headshot lighting?

Compare the same expression under each setup. Inspect both eyes and the nose shadow. Check bright skin and clothing for lost detail.

## Sources

Sources for technical facts and documented capabilities. Worked scenarios are hypothetical planning examples.

- Adobe: [Professional headshot capture principles](<https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/photography/discover/professional-headshots.html>)

## Related

- [Inspect the image histogram](<https://restorebunny.com/tools/image-histogram/>)
- [Headshot Poses: Find a Relaxed, Repeatable Position](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/headshot-poses-relaxed-shoulders/>)
- [Take Headshots with Glasses Without Hiding the Eyes](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/headshots-with-glasses-reflections/>)
- [Browse all photo guides](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/>)

## Ready to check your working copy?

Use the related browser utility on a working copy, then inspect the result. No signup is required.

[Inspect the image histogram](<https://restorebunny.com/tools/image-histogram/>)

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