Photographing Headshots with the Westcott FJ Wireless Flash System
Who doesn’t love a good headshot?
The Westcott FJ Wireless Flash System is the perfect set of tools to create headshots that will stand out and make the perfect first impression.
Headshots don’t have to be complicated. When it comes to lighting for women, soft and even light is key. So you want to make sure you have a decently-sized Octabox as the modifier for your main light. I chose to use the Westcott Rapid Box Switch Octa-M paired with the FJ200.
Next step: Fill the shadows!
I used the Westcott Eyelighter 2 and angled the FJ200 slightly downward so the light would reflect off the Eyelighter and fill in shadows under my subjects’ eyes and chins.
Want a little extra pop?
I used the FJ80 as a hair light camera left to create separation between my subjects and the background, and to give the look of the final image a little something extra.
The FJ-X2m universal trigger with a wireless communication range of up to 985 feet and the ability to have up to 6 groups and 32 wireless channels, I was able to control both the FJ200 and FJ80 seamlessly from the touch screen without having to run back and forth to adjust settings on the strobes.
Once your lights are set in place and turned on, it’s time to take a test shot! I started the power on both lights at power 2 to start. I started at ISO 400, f/5.6, and 1/200th shutter speed.
Everything was way too dark, so I adjusted my camera settings to f/4.0 and 1/250th shutter speed, then bumped up the power on the lights to 2.5. Take another test shot.
The image was still a little too dark for my taste, so I adjusted the aperture to f/2.8. One last test shot. Adjust shutter speed back to 1/200th.
Three test shots and I was dialed in. ISO 400, f/2.8, and 1/200th shutter speed.
It’s that easy! Once your lights are dialed in, you should only have to make minor adjustments based on your subjects’ height, skin tone, etc.
It’s so important to take a test shot before you start shooting. Take the time to make sure everything is properly dialed in BEFORE you shoot through the scene. Make sure to always take a test shot before each subject to avoid going through a full sequence with the wrong settings. Once light is to your preference, then you can start having fun with your subject.
Get out there and start experimenting to find your signature lighting style!
