One Model, Five Lighting Setups: Maximum Impact, Minimal Gear
When I booked a shoot with Minwoo from STNDRD MODELS, I knew I wanted to keep it simple—but impactful. My goal was to show how much creative range you can get using minimal gear, a handful of light modifiers, and a little movement (and caffeine, let’s be honest). This wasn’t about chasing complexity—it was about unlocking possibilities while still making it to dinner on time.
In this blog, I'm breaking down each setup we used—what I lit with, why I chose it, and how each subtle change transformed the vibe. Whether you’re building your portfolio or trying to get out of a creative rut, I hope this gives you ideas (and permission!) to keep it fun, easy, and effective.
SETUP 1: Optical Snoot + Blue Bounce for a Cinematic Pop
We kicked off the shoot with drama—hello shadows and rich color contrast. I used a Profoto D1 with a Westcott Optical Snoot, circular cutout, to spotlight Minwoo’s face like he was starring in a noir film. Then, I gelled a MagMod XL blue and bounced it into a V-flat, filling the shadows and background with a cool wash.
This gave us a moody, stylized look that felt both fashion-forward and a little experimental. Proof you don’t need ten lights to feel fancy.
Gear Used:
MagMod XL with blue gel
V-flat for bounce
SETUP 2: Stripbox Rembrandt with Blue Fill
Next, I swapped the snoot for a MagMod strip box—a gentler approach, like turning down the drama but keeping the mystery. We still bounced blue into the shadows to keep things icy.
The result? Moodier, less intense, and kind of like Minwoo was starring in a French indie film. This is your sign that sometimes swapping one modifier is enough to totally shift the energy.
Gear Used:
MagMod XL with blue gel
V-flat for bounce
SETUP 3: Classic Cool Tones with Fashion Polish
Time to pivot! We pulled out a stool and went full “chill Calvin Klein campaign.” A single light from the front gave us clean, intentional shadows. I left the blue gel in play but toned it down in post because the drama needed to take a breather.
It’s sleek, it’s simple, and it’s the kind of lighting setup that makes you want to launch your own fragrance line.
Gear Used:
V-flat for negative fill
Minor color grading in Photoshop
SETUP 4: Tunnel of Light + Full Movement
Okay, this one is my actual favorite. We created a DIY spotlight moment using two V-flats, forming a little doorway for the Profoto D1 to shoot through. Modeling light stayed on so Minwoo could hit his marks like the pro he is.
We got wide shots, jacket-throwing action shots, and everything in between. He looked like a fashion-forward fighter ready for a Vogue x Mortal Kombat collab. Same light setup, totally different attitude.
Gear Used:
V-flats to shape light
SETUP 5: Hand-Painted Canvas and Moody Portraits
To wrap the day, I had to sneak in some moody portraits—because why not use those gorgeous Westlight Studios canvas backdrops? We found a rich brown-toned one, threw Minwoo in a black sweater, and went full “art gallery opening with wine in hand” vibes.
I used a Profoto Beauty Dish both overhead and from the side and just adjusted Minwoo’s position instead of moving the light a hundred times (work smarter, not harder, friends). This set may not match the others vibe, but it was the perfect cool-down to end the shoot.
Gear Used:
Hand-painted canvas backdrop (brown tone)
Final Thoughts
This shoot reminded me why I love simple lighting so much. It lets you focus on the fun stuff—posing, storytelling, capturing real energy—without turning every setup into a tech troubleshooting session. Every look here came from just two lights, some creative shaping, and a good playlist.
Big thanks to STNDRD MODELS and to Minwoo for being down for every lighting experiment and jacket throw.
HUGE THANKS TO:
ANTHONY ROMANO: Photography Assistant + BTS Video
NISSI LEE BEAUTY: Male Grooming + BTS Video
Until next time—keep it simple, keep it fun, and keep creating with heart (and maybe snacks).
If you’re a photographer wanting to stretch your creative muscles without stretching your budget (or patience), I’d love to connect. I offer 1:1 mentoring, creative direction, and plenty of pep talks. Let’s build your style, simplify your setups, and create work that feels like you.
