3 Dramatic Portrait Setups Using Just ONE Light

You don’t need a full studio setup to create dramatic portraits—just one light used the right way. In this video, I break down three cinematic one-light setups using simple tools like reflectors, gobos, and an optical snoot. You’ll see how to control contrast, shape shadows, and build depth without adding more lights. Whether you’re working in a small studio or on location, these setups will help you get more out of the gear you already have. 🎥 Looking for something that actually helps you grow as a photographer—not just creatively, but as a business? PhotoVision is a great place to start. You’ll get access to thousands of tutorials, expert advice, and inspiring stories for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year. https://www.ppa.com/join/photovision/john-gress 📘 Want to learn even more lighting setups? Check out The Photographer’s Journey and my Lighting Handbook Vol. 2, available at johngress.com/downloads Models: https://www.instagram.com/valerianellj/ https://www.instagram.com/shaq.quelle/ 🔨 Set Building - Home Depot 3 - 5/16” x 48" x 96" Natural Oak Decorative Slat Wall Panel https://howl.link/5be1oc3z1564b 8 - 2 in. x 2 in. x 8 ft. Furring Strip Board https://howl.link/sf77bkd4cq2ii 1-#9 x 2-1/2 in. Star Drive Dual Flat Head Coarse Thread Construction Screws 1 lb. Box https://howl.link/1158f84r64ofi 2 - 6 in. x 6 in. 14-Gauge Galvanized L Strap https://howl.link/i5rsy5hxno5hr 1 - 10 oz. Paneling and Molding Tan Construction Adhesive https://howl.link/zi228xj9lc83g 2 - 2 in. x 1-1/2 in. x 2-3/4 in. ZMAX Galvanized Angle https://howl.link/yknq2wfwjj11s 2 - 2 in. C-Clamp https://howl.link/jt596m10zgth6 3- 3 in. C-Clamp https://howl.link/wmhbtbfq06nom Chesterfield Loveseat, Faux Leather Sofa Walmart https://howl.link/wbc6nvfifbgyi Wagner Flexio 3500 Electric Handheld HVLP Paint Sprayer Home Depot https://howl.link/uyk3yz0ubanj1 📸 Gear Mentioned: Canon R5 Mark II Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cJZyir B&H: https://bhpho.to/3Yc4YyB Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip for EOS R5 Mark II Amazon https://amzn.to/3B3Bg5f B&H https://bhpho.to/3XJFyaT Canon RF70-200mm F4 L IS USM Amazon https://amzn.to/2Z4GOd5 B&H https://bhpho.to/3HkgKNY Elinchrom FIVE Amazon https://amzn.to/3Um6V61 B&H https://bhpho.to/3LcypYZ Elinchrom 8.3" Standard Reflector with 30 Degree Grid B&H https://bhpho.to/4731i3t Elinchrom 8.3" Grid Kit B&H https://bhpho.to/49CXIPo Studio Titan Camera Stand STA-01-360 MK2 B&H https://bhpho.to/3cf4RfL The optical snoot I use https://amzn.to/3VolTfF Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:58 - Bouncy House 04:07 - Set Building 05:01 - Framing the S-Curves 06:24 - Recreating the Sun #OneLightSetup #PortraitLighting #StudioLighting #PhotographyTutorial #DramaticLighting Click here for a full list of all the gear I use in the studio - https://johngress.com/gear/ Disclosure: This description contains affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a commission — at no additional cost to you.