Key, fill and rim: building a three-light portrait step by step

21 October 2026 · ShotBox3D team · Portraits, Setups

A dependable starting point for headshots and portraits, with the angles, heights and power ratios that make it work.

Most studio portraits start from the same three jobs: a key light that shapes the face, a fill that controls how dark the shadows are, and a rim that separates hair and shoulders from the background.

1. The key

Put it about 45 off the camera axis on the side the model is turned towards, and raise it so it points down at the face from above eye level. The shadow of the nose should fall down and towards the far cheek. A softbox or octabox around 90120 cm gives soft but defined shadows at 1.52 m.

2. The fill

Place it on the opposite side, close to the camera, at face height. Start two stops under the key (a 4:1 ratio). Less fill gives drama; more fill gives an even, commercial look. A white reflector card can do the same job for free.

3. The rim

Behind the model on the side opposite the key, high, and pointing back towards the camera, but flagged so it doesn't flare into the lens. Around one stop under the key is a good start; a stripbox keeps it narrow.

Let the studio do the first pass

Add three lights, choose a composition guide and press Set up the shot with Light it too ticked. The lights are placed in this layout and their powers are set so the face is correctly exposed. Then adjust to taste.