How to Light Portraits in a Small Space Using One or Two Lights

Tight on space? You don’t need a big studio to get clean, professional results. In this shoot, I restricted myself to a 2x2 metre footprint—just enough room to test how far you can push lighting in a small space. I used a classic Paramount-style setup with one light, then added a second for subtle separation.

What’s the best lighting setup for a small studio?

I started with a 100cm Elinchrom Octabox fitted with a grid, placed about 50cm from Mahamadou’s face, slightly to the left of camera. This is a classic Paramount-style lighting position, which gives clean highlights and defined shadows.

The grid helped contain spill and kept the light focused where I wanted it—crucial when working in a confined space.

Gear used

Lighting: Elinchrom ELB 500
Key light: 100cm Octabox with grid (50cm from subject)
Rim light: 35cm x 100cm Strip Softbox with hooded diffuser (50cm on opposite side)
Camera: Canon R5
Settings: ISO 400, F5.6, 1/100s
Backdrop: Hand-painted dark grey canvas
Subject: Mahamadou

Studio portrait of Mahamadou lit with one softbox and grid in a small space

Lighting diagram showing one-light Paramount-style setup in compact studio space

Why add a second light?

For the second setup, I added a Strip Softbox with a hooded diffuser—placed about the same distance (50cm) from the opposite side of Mahamadou’s head. This acted as a rim or hair light to create separation from the background.

It’s subtle but effective. That edge light lifts the shape of the head and shoulders without overwhelming the scene—perfect for tight spaces where soft shadows still matter.

Keeping control with directional modifiers

Both lights used modifiers designed to keep light tight and contained. The grid on the Octa and the hooded design of the Strip Softbox meant I wasn’t bouncing unwanted light around the room—essential when working in a 2x2 metre space.

Studio portrait of Mahamadou with soft rim lighting from a second strip softbox

Diagram of two-light studio setup with soft rim light for background separation

One light or two—what’s better in a small studio?

Both setups work well, and the best option depends on your subject and mood.

One light = more dramatic, focused.
Two lights = more polish and separation.

Start with one light and master feathering and shadow control. Then add a rim light for that professional pop.