Usain Bolt- Rim Lighting and Gels
Behind the Lens: Editorial Portrait Photoshoot with Usain Bolt – A Four-Light Setup
As a professional photographer specializing in editorial portraiture I’m often tasked with capturing world-renowned personalities in a way that not only speaks to their public persona but also resonates with the brand message of the commercial client. One such opportunity was the recent shoot with none other than Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world. The session, designed for a global commercial client, called for a dramatic and powerful visual narrative—something that demanded precision, technical lighting, and a keen editorial eye.
Concept and Vision
The objective was to create a striking editorial portrait of Usain Bolt that felt bold, clean, and full of energy—very much like the athlete himself. The images would be used across international campaigns and digital media, so every detail had to be meticulously planned. The visual concept leaned heavily into high contrast and dimension, using a black background to isolate and celebrate Bolt’s presence.
The Lighting Setup: Four Lights for Maximum Impact
A great portrait begins with lighting, and for this shoot, I deployed a four-light setup to sculpt Bolt’s physique and add depth to the image without overpowering the subject.
1. Key Light – Gridded Silver Beauty Dish
The key light was a gridded silver beauty dish, rigged overhead on a boom arm and positioned slightly in front of Bolt, angled downwards toward his face. This placement created a sculpted, focused light that enhanced his bone structure while adding drama through subtle shadow play. The silver interior of the dish produced a crisper, more specular quality of light compared to a white beauty dish, which was essential in emphasizing muscle tone and facial definition.
Using a grid helped narrow the beam, ensuring that the light didn’t spill onto the background or overly flatten the image. This allowed for controlled highlights on Bolt’s face and torso, while preserving shadow areas for depth.
2. Rim Lights – Two 6ft Stripboxes with Blue Gels
To create that iconic, cinematic edge lighting that emphasizes musculature and separates the subject from the background, we positioned two 6-foot strip lights with grids and blue gels behind Bolt on either side. The grids ensured tight beam control, while the blue gels added a cool, electric rim—conveying speed, power, and energy. These rim lights did a beautiful job of contouring Bolt’s arms and shoulders, offering just the right amount of visual drama.
3. Fill Light – 5ft Octa Softbox
In front and slightly off-axis, we placed a 5-foot Octa softbox to add subtle fill. This softened the shadows created by the silver beauty dish and balanced the light across Bolt’s face and upper body. The goal here was not to flatten the image but to retain dimension while avoiding excessive contrast.
The black background served a dual purpose: it eliminated distractions and emphasized the lighting sculpt. It also provided a natural canvas for the blue gelled rim lights to pop, enhancing the overall dynamic feel of the portrait.
Working with Usain Bolt
Bolt is every bit the professional you’d expect. His natural charisma and confidence in front of the camera made the session flow with ease. Despite his towering presence, he understood lighting cues instinctively, adjusting his body and gaze with minimal direction. For a professional portrait photographer, having a subject who brings that level of awareness is invaluable—it allows for greater experimentation and creative freedom during the shoot.
Retouching: Subtlety with Purpose
Post-production was all about enhancing clarity and definition while retaining the authenticity of the image. I focused on the following:
Clarity adjustments to emphasize the texture of skin and fabric.
Micro-contrast boosts to bring out detail in the eyes, muscles, and facial features.
Color grading to accentuate the blue rim lights while keeping skin tones rich and natural.
Selective sharpening along the cheekbones, jawline, and shoulders for added depth.
Dodging and burning to subtly guide the viewer’s eye and add visual weight to key areas.
We avoided excessive skin smoothing or artificial enhancement. The power of this portrait lies in its raw authenticity and strong, directional light. Editorial portraiture, especially of high-profile athletes, demands a look that feels polished but not overly retouched.
Location and Studio
This session took place in a controlled studio environment inLondon, outfitted with the full range of grip and lighting gear. As a Manchester-based editorial portrait photographer who often works in London, Liverpool, and Leeds, I ensure I bring that same level of control to location shoots with portable setups when needed.
Final Thoughts
Photographing a global icon like Usain Bolt was both an honor and a technical challenge. It required a harmonious blend of professional lighting techniques, editorial styling, and advanced retouching. For any brand or commercial clientlooking to create powerful visuals, understanding the interplay of light, shadow, and post-production is critical.
If you're a creative director, talent agent, or marketing executive looking for a professional portrait photographer in Manchester, London, Liverpool, or Leeds, I bring both the technical acumen and creative sensibility needed for high-profile editorial work. From celebrities and athletes to corporate and commercial portraiture, my goal is always the same: to capture impactful images that tell a story.