The foundation of moody portraits is light control. Instead of flooding your subject with light, you want to shape + limit it.
Use a single continuous light as your main source. Position it slightly off to the side of your subject rather than directly in front. This creates shadows across the face, adding depth and drama.
If you have access to a second light, place it behind your subject. This backlight helps separate them from the background and adds that cinematic glow. Even a basic light will work here. The key is direction, not price.
Photography hack: Use a Fresnel lens or a modifier that focuses light into a tighter beam. This gives you more control and creates sharper highlights and shadows.
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