Beauty Photography and Layering Light: 2 to 6 Lights with Ab Sesay
This beauty lighting tutorial with Ab Sesay shows how to create multiple professional beauty looks in a small 10 x 15 ft studio using constant LED lights, from a simple 2‑light setup to a complex 6‑light arrangement.
The free Lighting_Guide_v01.PDF breaks down every light, modifier, meter reading, and camera setting so you can follow along and recreate each setup in your own space. Ab Sesay does this without moving lights, but simply turning lights on and off.
What You’ll Learn
In the video and guide, Ab walks through how to shape beauty light using a spotlight as a main light and layered accent, edge, and background lights.
You will see how turning individual fixtures on and off as well as changing hue and saturation on RGB lights can quickly shift the mood of your portraits without moving your subject.
The Lights Used in this video include:
- A main spot built around the LITEMONS LA300 with a Godox BP‑SE 85 mm projection attachment for precise, sculpted light on the face.
- Background and accent spots using Godox ML80Bi and Godox RS60R through the ML‑SP‑19 projection kit to create controlled pools of light on the background.
- Color effects and separation from Godox TL60 tube lights, used both as background accents and edge lights.
- Edge and fill from LITEMONS LA30OR and LA60OR, including use through a Godox Octabox S65T with grid and through a full diffusion grid cloth for soft, wrapping light.
Who this Guide is For
This video and PDF are ideal for beauty, portrait, and fashion photographers who work in home studios or tight commercial spaces but still want polished, high‑end lighting. If you use or plan to use constant LED lights and want a clear, repeatable blueprint for 2‑, 3‑, and 6‑light setups, this guide is designed for you.
Watch the video, download the free Lighting Guide v01, and keep it next to your camera as a practical blueprint the next time you set up your lights.
Metering, Camera Settings, and Control.
The guide is built around consistent exposure using a Sekonic light meter, with primary setups metered around at ISO 640 and a shutter speed of 1/125 s on a Fuji GFX II with a 45–100 mm lens. Each diagram specifies the metered f‑stop for every light (including fractional “tenths”), the color temperature or hue/saturation settings, and how they relate to the final exposure.
Ab also demonstrates controlling the Godox lights through the Godox app on an iPad, which allows him to build up from 2 to 6 lights live on camera by toggling and adjusting each unit. This makes it easy to see exactly what each additional light contributes, from subtle edge separation to bold colored backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the Sekonic Lighting Guide by Ab Sesay?
A: The Sekonic Lighting Guide by Ab Sesay is a professionally developed educational resource that explains how to design, measure, and control studio lighting with precision using a light meter. Built around real-world shooting scenarios, the guide breaks down how different light sources interact and how to consistently achieve a desired look. Rather than relying on trial and error, it introduces a structured methodology that allows photographers to build repeatable lighting setups with confidence.
Q: What will I learn from this lighting guide?
A: This guide teaches you how to accurately measure light, establish lighting ratios, and control exposure across single and multi-light setups. You will gain a clear understanding of how to shape light for different creative outcomes, how to balance key, fill, and background lighting, and how to eliminate inconsistencies during a shoot. The focus is on practical application, enabling you to translate theory into real, measurable results in your photography workflow.
Q: Who is this lighting guide designed for?
A: The guide is designed for portrait photographers, commercial shooters, studio professionals, and serious enthusiasts who want to elevate their technical control over lighting. It is particularly valuable for photographers working in controlled environments where consistency, repeatability, and efficiency are critical. Whether you are refining an existing workflow or transitioning into more advanced lighting techniques, this guide provides a strong foundation.
Q: Why is using a light meter important in photography?
A: A light meter removes the guesswork from lighting by providing precise, objective measurements of light intensity. Instead of relying on camera previews or histogram interpretation, you can determine exact exposure settings before taking the shot. This leads to more predictable results, improved lighting ratios, and a more efficient workflow. For professionals, this level of control is essential when working with clients, tight timelines, or complex lighting setups.
Q: How does this guide help improve studio lighting consistency?
A: The guide demonstrates how to measure each light source independently and assign it a specific role within the setup. By defining exact lighting ratios and exposure values, you can recreate the same look across multiple sessions without relying on visual approximation. This consistency is crucial for brand work, editorial shoots, and any scenario where maintaining a uniform visual standard is required.
Q: What makes Ab Sesay’s approach to lighting unique?
A: Ab Sesay’s methodology focuses on combining creative intent with technical precision. Rather than treating lighting as a purely intuitive process, he introduces a system that allows photographers to understand, measure, and replicate their setups reliably. His approach emphasizes efficiency, consistency, and adaptability, enabling photographers to achieve high-end results while maintaining full control over their lighting environment.
Q: Does the guide include real lighting setup examples?
A: Yes, the guide includes detailed examples of real lighting setups, along with clear explanations of how each light contributes to the final image. These examples help bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing you to see exactly how lighting decisions translate into visual outcomes. This makes it easier to replicate setups and adapt them to your own creative needs.
Q: Is this guide useful for beginners or only professionals?
A: While the guide is created with professional workflows in mind, it is also highly valuable for beginners who are serious about developing strong technical skills. It provides clear explanations and structured guidance that help build a solid understanding of light measurement and control. For beginners, it accelerates the learning curve. For professionals, it refines and optimizes existing techniques.
Q: How can this guide help speed up my photography workflow?
A: By teaching you how to measure and set lighting accurately from the start, the guide reduces the need for repeated test shots and constant adjustments. You can establish your exposure and lighting ratios before shooting, which leads to faster setup times and more efficient sessions. This not only saves time but also allows you to focus more on directing your subject and achieving your creative vision.
Q: Why should I download the Sekonic Lighting Guide?
A: Downloading the guide gives you access to a proven, professional framework for mastering studio lighting. It provides actionable insights that help you improve image quality, maintain consistency across shoots, and work more efficiently. Whether you are looking to refine your technical skills or elevate your overall production value, this guide offers practical knowledge that can immediately impact your results.
