6 simple lighting setups for shooting portraits at home (plus free cheat sheet)

Lighting Setup 3: High contrast light at 45 degree

With a similar effect to the first shot, this type of lighting reveals a bit more of the sitter's facial characteristics, but with the same pockets of deep shadow.

Positioned at less of an acute angle, this light won't pick up so much skin texture but it won't show the face in any kind of flattering aspect, regardless of the pose.

Only one half of the face will be illuminated and, without any reflector, the other half will become a silhouette.