Hey Friend,
Ever showed up to a shoot and realized that one essential piece of gear was missing? Or you're wanting to make a purchase, but everything is telling you to drop $300+ for ONE piece of gear?
Starting out, it’s tough to know what’s truly necessary and what’s just hype. The pressure to invest big can get overwhelming fast 😅 especially when you’re not even sure what will actually improve your shots.
This guide breaks down the headshot gear I use, what’s optional, and what’s worth grabbing as you build your setup.
👉🏾 Don’t miss the chance to get your FREE equipment checklist throughout reading. It's a simple, visual tool to help you prep faster and focus on what really matters.
Lights
Used
Light
Modifiers
Back
drop
Stands+
Camera &
Lens
Misc.
Lights Used
Lighting can get real pricey real fast. However, know that expensive lighting won’t fix poor technique.
When you’re just starting out, start with one light. Learn how it works. Practice shaping it, bouncing it, softening it. A single, well-used light will teach you more about lighting than any top-shelf gear ever could.
When you’re just starting out, start with one light. Learn how it works. Practice shaping it, bouncing it, softening it. A single, well-used light will teach you more about lighting than any top-shelf gear ever could.
- Godox V1– A round-head speedlight known for its fast recycle time, even at higher power outputs. Originally designed for event photographers needing reliability in fast-paced environments, this light transitions seamlessly into headshot work as a key light. Its soft, natural falloff makes it great for flattering portraits, whether you're indoors or shooting in low light.
- Godox V860ii – A solid speedlight often used as a hair light to create subtle separation between the subject and backdrop. It doesn’t need to fire at high power, which helps maintain quick recycle times and consistent performance on set.
Light Modifiers
Light modifiers help you shape and soften your light, making your headshots look more polished and professional. They reduce harsh shadows and create flattering results, giving you control over the mood and quality of your images – whether you're going for clean and crisp or soft and moody, here's what I use:
- Glow 34" Softbox –The general rule is: bigger the softbox, softer the light. But for portability, a 34" softbox hits the sweet spot. This one comes with silver and white interiors – great for switching up the mood of your images. Adding the grid makes a big difference in controlling light spill and giving the image more intention. This modifier is used for the main/key light.
- Stripbox for Hair Light – Right now I use bare flash. Mostly because I don’t have another heavy duty stand to support my other softbox, AND I’d prefer a strip box due to it being able to give more direction to the light. But to be added!
- Neewer Clamshell Reflector – Clutch for filling in shadows under the eyes – especially with clients who wear long lashes. Pro tip: Lashes can cast heavy shadows. If a client is set on them, a clamshell eyeliner helps a lot.
- Circle Reflector (Optional) – Use it to bounce light back into the shadows. Great substitute if the clamshell is more outside the budget right now. Either have your client hold it or mount it to a reflector holder.
Backdrop Setup
Bringing full-sized paper backdrops on location can be a hassle—bulky, easy to damage, and tough to manage solo. That’s why I lean into a setup that’s lightweight, flexible, and travel-friendly for headshots on the go:
- Kate Collapsible Backdrop – A great option for mobile setups. It’s quick to assemble and break down, comes double-sided with different color options, and delivers solid quality. Perfect for headshots when paper rolls aren’t practical.
- Backdrop Stand Set – You’ll need something to hold the backdrop up. A standard backdrop stand kit works well, or for more flexibility, a C-stand with a boom arm can do the trick. On a tighter budget? Stick with the kit – it's more than enough to get started.
- Backdrop Clip Attachment – if you want to skip the boom arm, and stand set altogether, you can just get this clip. Although, I don't have this piece of equipment, yet, I wanted to share it with you. I think it could be a great addition due to it's compactness.
Stands &
Support
It doesn’t matter how great your light or modifiers are if they’re wobbling mid-shoot! Reliable stands and arms keep everything in place, and gives you more freedom to focus on directing and posing your subject; as well as, keeps everyone and your equipment safe. Here are the stands I trust during a session:
- C-Stand or Heavy Duty Stand – for your main/key light.
- Regular Stands – for your eyeliner, hair light, and reflector
- Neewer Boom Arm – Adds more flexibility when angling your key light.
- Godox S2 Bowens Bracket – you will need this to attach your softbox(es). If you are using the V1, make sure to get the correct bracket. Using a bare flash for the hair light, and want to save a bit of fetta? You can get a regular flash mount.
- Reflector Clamp – To hold my reflector if I need to bounce light to fill shadows
- Weights – This is your insurance without insurance. Keep your client safe, keep your environment safe, keep you safe. It's a safety thing.
Camera &
Lens
It’s easy to think you need the latest camera body or a pricey lens to deliver professional work – trust me, I’ve been there. But what’s helped me more than any high-end gear is learning how to use what I have.
Dialing in my lighting, mastering the exposure triangle, and figuring out what settings give me the look I want—or what the client is after—has proven way more valuable than any Canon R6 ever could.
At the end of the day, it’s not about having the best gear. It’s about knowing how to use it.
Dialing in my lighting, mastering the exposure triangle, and figuring out what settings give me the look I want—or what the client is after—has proven way more valuable than any Canon R6 ever could.
At the end of the day, it’s not about having the best gear. It’s about knowing how to use it.
- Camera – The Canon T7i is a crop sensor DSLR that’s reliable, user-friendly, and capable of producing professional results. It’s a solid choice for headshots, especially when paired with good lighting and composition. If you have friendlier budget, the Canon R/R7, or M50, are great investments!
- Lens – For headshots, stick within the 50–135mm range to avoid facial distortion. On a crop sensor camera (like the T7i), factor in the 1.6x crop: a 50mm lens gives you the equivalent of ~80mm, while an 85mm lens lands around ~136mm. Both options keep features flattering and proportions natural.
Misc. Gear
These are the often-overlooked items that make your setup smoother and safer. From client comfort to easier transport, these tools can be the difference between a good experience and a great one.
- Stool – Helps tall clients fit better in-frame and makes posing smoother.
- Wagon – If you shoot solo, this is the real MVP. It saves time, effort, and your back.
- Tether cable + iPad/laptop – give your client the ability to see themselves as they take the pictures. Most often, this can boost their confidence. Pro-tip: when they start getting hyper-critical, take it away, hear them, and counter with genuine positivity. We all have our "things", and it just helps to hear that we just might be tripping.
- A platform/stand – for your ipad or laptop
- Changing tent – Crucial if you're on location and your client has an outfit change. No more shady restroom stalls or car changes.
Final Thoughts
Getting your headshot setup dialed in doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Start small, learn the gear, and focus on strong technique... growth follows.
The checklist is here to make things simpler! It highlights the essentials, keeps session prep smooth, and helps you build with confidence.
You’ll also find links to gear (some are affiliate links), which help keep these resources free and flowing for the creative community.
Here’s to creating work that feels good and looks even better. Let’s keep going.
Peace,
Babacar Faye
The checklist is here to make things simpler! It highlights the essentials, keeps session prep smooth, and helps you build with confidence.
You’ll also find links to gear (some are affiliate links), which help keep these resources free and flowing for the creative community.
Here’s to creating work that feels good and looks even better. Let’s keep going.
Peace,
Babacar Faye
Submit
LEave a comment!
Thank you for leaving a comment! We appreciate it and are excited to see what you have to say!