Lighting is the foundation of all great photography. It’s what separates a dull, flat image from a vibrant, three-dimensional portrait that captures attention and tells a story. When done correctly, lighting not only enhances the subject’s features but also sets the tone, mood, and style of the final image. For portraits, headshots, and fashion photography alike, understanding light is one of the most critical skills a professional photographer brings.
I use a variety of lighting techniques depending on the desired effect. Natural light, often praised for its softness and realism, can be a beautiful option, especially when controlled using reflectors or diffusers. The great photographer Jane Bown was known for turning up with her camera in a shopping bag and shooting amazing photos of Orson Welles, Mick Jagger and many others using just natural light and window light. So just using natural light and minimal gear can produce amazing results but some photos just aren’t possible with a simple setup.
Natural light is highly dependent on weather and time of day, which is why I also use studio setups for more control. Flash lighting offers consistency, clarity, and flexibility. It allows me to shape the light, highlight the subject, and have complete control of the light in the scene. At Max Marshall Studio, my kit includes powerful battery-powered studio lights which enables us to bring our full lighting studio anywhere.
I generally use at least some studio lighting even on location outdoors as this gives me so much more control. I can create any effect I desire – sparkling light, soft glowing light, dim moody light, sunlight at dawn, dusk or noon or even moonlight! Shooting in my Hammersmith studio offers the ultimate scope to use lighting, choice of backdrops and props to tell a powerful story with yourself in the lead role.
Using a bare flash head on its own will be too harsh for anyone except fashion models with flawless skin as it will show up wrinkles and skin blemishes in an unflattering way. That’s where flash modifiers come into play – lighting equipment fitted to the flash head which modifies the light coming from the flash. These tools—such as softboxes, umbrellas, beauty dishes and diffusers—help soften the light and spread it evenly across the subject’s face, reducing shine and smoothing out skin tones. The choice of modifier will depend on the type of portrait being created. For example, a beauty dish might be perfect for fashion or editorial work, while a large softbox can create a flattering, even light for corporate headshots.
There are also cost implications involved in using advanced lighting setups. Studio lighting kits often include multiple lights and stands, with the total cost of the equipment I take for a location shoot well into the thousands of pounds of professional industry standard equipment used by the world’s top photographers.
This investment pays dividends in the quality, consistency, flexibility and control it brings to each shoot.
In the hands of an experienced photographer, lighting becomes more than just a technical requirement—it becomes a creative tool that shapes your brand image. Whether you’re booking a personal branding shoot, an executive portrait, or a full team session, lighting can dramatically influence how you are perceived. It’s not just about visibility—it’s about professionalism, polish, and presence. That’s why when you invest in a professional photoshoot with Max Marshall Studio, you’re also investing in the kind of lighting expertise that helps you look your absolute best.
