My Photography Lighting Setup: Cemhan Biricik

Lighting is the single most transformative element in photography. A $500 camera with great lighting produces better images than a $5,000 camera with bad lighting. Here is the exact setup I use for different types of shoots, plus how to build your own kit at any budget level.

My Studio Setup

For controlled studio work — corporate headshots, fashion editorial, product photography — I use a three-light strobe system. The key light is a strobe with a large softbox (36x48 inches), positioned 45 degrees to the subject. A fill light with a smaller softbox or reflector opposite the key reduces shadow depth. A hair light or rim light from behind separates the subject from the background.

This three-light setup handles 80% of studio scenarios. Learn it deeply before adding complexity.

On-Location Lighting

Location work demands portability. I carry two portable speedlights with small collapsible softboxes, a 5-in-1 reflector, and wireless triggers. For editorial shoots in hotels or event spaces, I add a compact LED panel for continuous fill that works for both stills and video.

The key to location lighting is working with available light rather than against it. Find the natural light direction, then supplement it with your portable gear to shape and control it.

Natural Light Mastery

Before you buy any lighting equipment, master natural light. A large window produces beautiful, soft directional light that rivals any softbox. Golden hour provides warm, dimensional light that no strobe can replicate. Open shade on a sunny day creates even, flattering illumination.

Natural light costs nothing and teaches you everything about quality, direction, and color temperature. It is the foundation that makes artificial lighting intuitive.

Strobes vs Continuous: When to Use Each

Strobes freeze motion, overpower ambient light, and provide more power per dollar. They are essential for high-speed action, flash-dominant looks, and any situation where you need to completely control the exposure.

Continuous LED lights show you exactly what you will capture — what you see is what you get. They work for both photography and video, which makes them ideal for hybrid shooters. Beginners should start with continuous lights because the learning curve is gentler.

Light Modifiers That Actually Matter

A softbox is your most versatile modifier. Large softboxes create soft, wrapping light. Small softboxes create more defined, dramatic light. The size of the light source relative to the subject determines softness — this is the most important lighting principle to internalize.

Beyond softboxes: a beauty dish for glamour and portrait work, a grid for controlling spill, and a reflector for bouncing light into shadows. You do not need everything — build your modifier collection based on the genres you shoot most.

Building Your Kit on a Budget

Start with one light and one modifier. Seriously. One strobe with a large softbox, plus a reflector for fill, handles portraits, headshots, and simple product photography. Add a second light when you encounter situations where one is not enough. Add a third when two cannot do the job. Let your actual needs drive your purchases, not gear acquisition syndrome.