Week 3 – Exploring Headshot Techniques
Creating polished, professional headshots using one-light and two-light studio setups.
This lesson shows you how to shape light, add separation with a hair light, and guide your subject into natural, confident poses.
What You’ll Learn This Week
Lesson 3 – Exploring Headshot Techniques (Photography)
Headshots are one of the most versatile types of portrait photography. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to create professional-quality headshots using both one-light and two-light setups. We’ll cover how to position your key light, when to use a reflector, how to add a hair light for separation, and how to direct your subject for natural, confident poses.
By the end of this lesson, you will understand:
• How to build a clean, flattering one-light headshot setup
• How to use a reflector to control shadows and soften contrast
• How to position your subject for natural-looking expressions
• How to set up a two-light system with a hair light
• How a hair light adds depth and separation
• How to balance brightness between your key light and hair light
• How camera settings interact with your lighting choices
• How small posing adjustments improve overall headshot quality
Lesson 3 Downloads
These are the digital versions of the handouts you’ll receive in class. Download and save these to your computer for easy reference.
If you misplace your printed handout, this is your backup copy.
🎥 Lesson 3 Video
This is your Lesson 3 video walkthrough. Watch this before class to prepare, or revisit it afterward to reinforce what we covered in the studio.
Take notes as you watch. Don’t worry about mastering everything at once - we’ll build this skill together through hands-on practice.
Week 3 Assignment
This assignment is designed to help you practice both the one-light and two-light techniques from today’s lesson. Your goal is to start seeing how light shapes the face and how a hair light adds depth to a portrait.
Your goals this week are to:
• Build a one-light headshot setup at home or in the studio
• Use a reflector to control shadows
• Try a two-light setup by adding a hair light
• Practice adjusting light angles for different face shapes
• Capture at least 5–10 headshots using each setup
• Pay attention to shadow transitions and separation
When your assignment file is added here, you’ll also find:
Full instructions
What to submit
How to export your files (if needed)
✅ Download the assignment below once it’s available.
Next Lesson
When you're ready, continue on to the next lesson.