Inside the booth
Shape a portrait with one hard side light
Use a defined shadow as a deliberate graphic part of the composition.
A small direct light can create a clear shadow that gives a portrait a graphic look. Decide where the shadow should land and avoid placing its sharp edge through an eye or mouth. Take one test before the guest moves.
Place the light
Set one steady light to the side and slightly above the subject. Keep the background far enough behind, if possible, that the head shadow does not dominate it. Take a test with the person standing in the final position.
Set the shadow
Move the light farther to the side for a stronger split or closer to camera for a flatter face. Ask the subject to turn a little and watch the shadow move. Keep a soft fill card nearby if the dark side loses all detail.
Review the frame
Check eyes, nose and backdrop at actual print size. If the shadow cuts an awkward line across a feature, shift the light or face angle. Record position marks so later guests receive the same deliberate look.