There’s one simple lighting trick that instantly levels up your portraits — and most photographers are either skipping it or doing it wrong.
In this video, I’ll walk you through how to use a hair light the right way. You’ll learn how to place it, how bright it should be, and how to avoid the most common mistakes photographers make.
We’ll test three common modifiers — a 7” reflector, a strip softbox, and a white umbrella — so you can see exactly what works and what doesn’t. Whether you’re photographing headshots, fashion, or fitness, this one lighting change will give your images a whole new level of polish.
📥 Download my Lighting Handbooks: https://johngress.com/downloads
📸 Full list of studio gear: https://johngress.com/gear
💡 Join the Academy with John Gress: https://johngress.com/academy
Gear Used in This Video
Camera Stand
Studio Titan Camera Stand STA-01-360 MK2
B&H: https://bhpho.to/3cf4RfL
Booms & Mounting Options:
Studio Titan Rack & Pinion Geared Crank Stand STA-06-200
B&H: https://bhpho.to/44Bj1y9
Kupo Big Boom
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YHNBFU
B&H: https://bhpho.to/3Aj3wk5
Kupo 40″ Master C-Stand Kit with Turtle Base Kit
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YPVPtD
B&H: https://bhpho.to/47OKQVB
Kupo Baby Boom, Extends from 3.8-7.8′, Steel
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E8gfEI
B&H: https://bhpho.to/3YNTGyx
STUDIO TITAN AMERICA Double Beam Boom Arm (10.2’)
B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1874091-REG/studio_titan_america_05_031_large_double_beam_light.html/BI/22160/KBID/28702/kw/ST05031/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xST05031
Light Meter:
Sekonic L-858D-U SPEEDMASTER Light Meter Kit with RT-EL/PX Transmitter Module for Elinchrom
B&H: https://bhpho.to/41dCnXc
Sekonic L-858D-U (401-858) Meter Plus RT-GX for Godox
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4corJ5H
Elinchrom Lighting:
Elinchrom FIVE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Um6V61
B&H: https://bhpho.to/3LcypYZ
Elinchrom Indirect Litemotiv Octa Softbox 190cm (75”)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GZa45L
B&H: https://bhpho.to/3oOM4Oq
Elinchrom Rotalux Stripbox 35x100cm
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3nUwD3M
B&H: https://bhpho.to/40PXZbZ
Elinchrom Deep Umbrella (White, 49″)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3H0DAIn
B&H: https://bhpho.to/3nfjjdg
Elinchrom 8.3″ Standard Reflector with 30 Degree Grid
B&H: https://bhpho.to/4731i3t
Fill:
V-FLAT WORLD Foldable V-Flat 2.0, Black/White, 2-Pack
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EL5UCj
B&H: https://bhpho.to/41lKOmU
V-Flat World: https://bit.ly/3fXqaid
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:37 – Why you should use a hairlight
01:11 – Placement
01:27 – Mounting – Grip
02:00 – How bright should your hair light be?
03:55 – 7” REFLECTOR – THE HARD LIGHT LOOK
05:51 – 7” reflector hairlight + Octabox main light
06:31 – 125cm / 49” White Umbrella
08:27 – Strip Softbox Tests
10:15 – Placement Tip
10:47 – Final Image and Thoughts
