A single flash and one modifier are enough for flattering, professional portraits — here is the exact setup.
You do not need a five-light studio to make a portrait that looks intentional. One speedlight in a 90cm softbox, placed just above eye level and angled down at about 45 degrees, does most of the work in these sample frames. The soft falloff wraps around the face and leaves a natural shadow under the jaw that adds shape without drama.
Start with the flash at half power, the camera at ISO 100, 1/160s, and f/4, then adjust power rather than aperture to taste. Meter for the highlight side of the face and let the shadow side fall where it wants. A cheap white foam board on the opposite side acts as a fill reflector and lifts the shadows just enough. Move the subject closer to or farther from the background to control how dark it renders — the light falls off fast, so a step forward makes the backdrop noticeably deeper.
Replace this text with your own setup: the modifier you reached for, the power settings that worked, and a before-and-after frame so readers can see the difference.