A step-by-step tutorial showing my approach to an editorial self-portrait.
Since this was an editorial/cinematic portrait with a more dramatic finished look, I chose a three light initial setup,
Next, I adjusted the lens height and angle
Test the key light. For this shoot, I utilized a 22" beauty dish with a grid
Add the second light as fill. I used a 24"x36" rectangular softbox with inner and outer diffusion panels as the second light to allow easier feathering on or off of the background.
Add the third light to fill the shadow between my ear and temple. I used a bare speedlight so I could make fine adjustments for power and spread of light.
I noticed glaring on the picture that was hanging on the wall, so I removed it. I also found that I preferred to face about 50 degrees away from the camera, which was enough to show my left eyebrow and possibly my left eye.
After the adjustments, I liked the two light setup better for the dramatic look.
Here's the finished image with the light switch and sticker removed from the wall.