Hey everyone. I do a lot of model tests and despite approaching each model a bit differently, I have one lighting setup I use at the beginning almost every time. It's 1 strobe in a med/large umbrella or octobox in front and above the subject pointed almost straight at the ground, tilted just slightly toward the subject. Either centered or 45 degrees from subject.
What's your favorite light setup for test looks? Do you have one in your back pocket?
I haven't done much modeling shooting in a studio in months but when I did I've been using my very large 1 light softbox to get that super soft light look. My large softbox is rectangler so it has nice wrapping with the model.
I feel very comfortable with clamshell lighting, and so I will generally rely on that for a good portion of my work.
I also do one light with a big octabox or mid rectengular slightly above and side (not really 45˙), a with a white card fill on the other side. I found, that this kind of shooting should be bright, not playing with shadows that much (just a bit, for men more).
One beauty dish overhead or slightly up and to the side and slight fill with a parabolic umbrella. Gives it that edgy look.