Lighting can make or break a portrait. Knowing when and how to use a two-light setup can elevate your work and help you control tricky lighting situations.
Coming to you from Kyle Cong Photo, this informative video breaks down the nuances of using a two-light setup for portraits. Cong covers when a single light is enough and when you’ll need to add a second to achieve the desired effect. He uses a practical example—outdoor shooting with backlight from the sun—to show how ambient light can serve multiple roles. The sun acts as a kicker light, and reflected light from the ground or surroundings fills in shadows. In this scenario, a single artificial light can be used as a key light, keeping things simple.
However, lighting conditions aren't always ideal. Sometimes, ambient light serves only one function, such as creating backlight, leaving your subject with uneven lighting. Or, as Cong explains, you may be shooting in a situation where the ambient light isn’t providing enough fill. This is where the second light comes in. By adding another light, you can balance the exposure on your subject and avoid underexposed shadows, while keeping the background lighting under control.
Cong also addresses a common question: why not just increase the ambient light by slowing down your shutter speed? The problem is, this changes the exposure of the entire frame. You might end up overexposing the background while trying to get more light on your subject. By adding a second light, you can keep the exposure of your background steady and get the right balance on your subject’s face without compromising the overall look.
The second consideration is practicality. While a large modifier like a 3-foot octabox can serve as both a key and fill light, it’s cumbersome in an outdoor setting, especially if you’re shooting solo. Instead, Cong recommends small, portable modifiers like a beauty dish or a small square softbox, ideally under 24 inches. These smaller setups allow you to move quickly, adapt to changing conditions, and still maintain flexibility. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Cong.
If you would like to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out "Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!"
