Building a reliable headshot setup starts with the right tools. This guide outlines the core gear needed to achieve clean, consistent results using the Headshot Crew method. From lighting and tethering to grip and lens selection, these essentials will get you started and on your way to capturing strong, engaging expressions.
- Lighting Setups
- Camera Body and Lens Combo
- Tethering and Capture Workflow Tools
- Tripods, Ball Heads & Stands
Headshot Lighting Setups
The Headshot Crew teaches a signature three-light triangle setup that forms the foundation of our lighting approach. This arrangement uses a key light to shape the face, a fill light to soften shadows, and a kicker (or bottom) light to open up the jawline and separate the subject from the background. The triangle setup is designed to create flattering contrast, sculpt facial features, and add natural dimension to the final image.
The preferred gear for this lighting style is the Westcott Flex Kit, a continuous LED lighting system co-developed with Peter Hurley. It delivers soft, even light with precise control over brightness and color temperature. Because the Flex Kit uses continuous light, you can see exactly what you’re getting in real time—making it ideal for both new and experienced photographers. It’s also compact, lightweight, and easy to set up in a studio or on location.
For photographers just starting out or working with a smaller budget, strobes or flashes paired with strip boxes can recreate the same triangle effect. While strobes require a bit more trial and error than continuous light, they can absolutely produce professional results with the right placement and technique. In fact, many Headshot Crew Associates started out shooting strobes.
Peter primarily uses Westcott and Profoto gear, so our recommendations reflect that; however, many alternatives can work just as well. The most important thing is being able to arrange your lights in the triangle format.
Continuous Lighting
The Hurley Westcott Flex Kit (recommended set up)
- Westcott Studio Cine Flex Kit (2 1x3 and 1 1x2 Panels)
- Westcott Travel Cine Flex Kit (3 1x2 Panels)
Westcott COB LEDs
These are compact, bi-color continuous lights compatible with the Rapid Box Switch system. You’ll need to pair them with strip boxes to shape the light properly. They are a cheaper option to get started with continuous light without a Flex Kit.
Strobe Lighting
Strobe Heads
Modifiers
Camera Body & Lens Combo
When it comes to headshot photography, nearly any modern camera—DSLR or mirrorless—can deliver excellent results. What matters most is how confidently and comfortably you can operate it. While full-frame sensors are preferred for their shallow depth of field and clean image quality, crop-sensor cameras can still produce professional-grade results when paired with the right lens.
For lenses, the Headshot Crew recommends working in the 85mm to 100mm range, which provides flattering compression and minimal facial distortion—ideal for headshots. Peter Hurley typically lands around 92mm for his preferred look. The 70–200mm f/4 or f/2.8 zoom lens is a popular choice for its flexibility, allowing you to fine-tune your composition without moving the tripod. If you prefer primes, an 85mm is a classic, reliable choice that delivers sharp, natural-looking results. When shooting with continuous lights, we typically work between f/4 and f/4.5 to achieve a clean depth of field and soft background separation.
Peter shoots Canon gear, so our primary recommendations reflect his setup. That said, whatever system you use, just make sure your lens allows you to shoot in the 85–100mm range on full-frame, or around 60mm on a crop sensor, to achieve the compression and perspective that define strong, professional headshots.
Recommended Canon Camera Bodies
Canon EOS R5
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Recommended Canon Lenses
Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM
- Canon RF 24-104 f/4 L IS USM
Canon RF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Tethering, Capture, and Post-processing Workflow
A strong tethering setup is essential for real-time image review and consistent results. The recommended workflow pairs Capture One Pro with Tether Tools gear to ensure fast, stable, and professional-grade connectivity between camera and computer. This allows photographers to view images instantly on a larger screen, make on-the-fly adjustments, and maintain full creative control throughout the session. Capture One’s powerful RAW processing and session-based workflow make it ideal for high-volume or client-facing shoots.
To further streamline the editing process, many photographers now incorporate AI-powered tools. Evoto offers fast, high-quality automatic retouching, helping you deliver polished headshots without hours of manual work. SpotMyPhotos uses real-time face detection to organize images by subject during the shoot, making culling and delivery faster and more efficient. When paired with a strong tethered workflow, these tools save time and increase overall productivity without compromising on quality.
Tethering Setup:
AI & Post-Production Tools:
Tripods, Ball Heads, and Stands
Using a tripod is a fundamental part of the Headshot Crew shooting method. Locking in the correct camera height ensures consistent framing across sessions and lets you focus entirely on directing your subject. A stable tripod also reduces physical fatigue during long shoots, making the process smoother and more efficient. Feisol tripods are a popular choice for their combination of lightweight design and durable performance. Paired with a removable Arca-Swiss-compatible ball head, they offer smooth, precise adjustments and the flexibility to reframe quickly when needed.
Just as important as your camera setup is the stability of your lighting. Invest in sturdy light stands for your key and fill lights, and use a low-profile stand or boom arm for the bottom (kicker) light. Heavier-duty stands help prevent tipping, especially when using larger modifiers.