Image lighting setup

Before I start shooting I need to figure out how the lighting will be set up, to save time when I’m at the studio.

I’ve put the directions that the light is coming from with arrows to make it easier when I’m there. The main source is clearly from arrow 2, which I think I can recreate from a beauty dish with a grid which will provide a similar contrasty look. The light needs to be positioned so the underside of the hat is a dark as possible, so it will be a couple of feet above my head.

Arrow 1 shows that there is some light that’s been shone back into the picture. I could use a reflector, but it’s hard to do with a grid beauty dish. The other option is to use a second light.

I think the hardest part of this image will be to get a similar posture and head position so I imagine that there will be a lot of trial and error involved to get it close to the original. 

For the twin on the right I will use a grid beauty dish to get the contrast. The light will probably be in the same position as the John Wayne shot.

The twin on the left will probably need a beauty dish without a grid, from the same angle. This will allow the light to hit the other side of the face more. The use of a reflector facing the direction the arrow is pointing will also help to light the edge of the cheek.