Corporate Headshots with a 3-Light Setup

Capturing professional corporate headshots is both an art and a technical skill, and lighting plays a pivotal role in the final outcome. A 3-light setup is a classic and versatile approach that delivers clean, flattering portraits perfect for business profiles, company websites, and LinkedIn. This method gives the photographer full control over the light, shadow, and background, ensuring the subject looks polished and confident. Whether you're working in a studio or setting up in an office, mastering this setup can significantly elevate your corporate photography.

The standard 3-light setup consists of a key light, a fill light, and a hair or rim light. The key light is your primary source and is typically placed at a 45-degree angle from the subject, slightly above eye level. It shapes the face and sets the mood. The fill light, placed on the opposite side of the key, softens shadows and adds balance without creating additional highlights. Finally, the hair or rim light is placed behind and above the subject, helping to separate them from the background and adding dimension, which is especially helpful when shooting against plain or corporate-themed backdrops.

To get the best results, I choose modifiers like softboxes to diffuse the light and avoid harsh shadows. Keeping my lighting ratios in mind — the fill was less intense than the key, and the rim light was subtle enough not to overpower the subject. A 3-light setup ensures consistency across a team’s headshots while maintaining a professional and approachable look.