Scene composition, lighting, posing the model and wardrobe are all components to keep in mind when photographing a portrait like this. I however think that lighting is one of the most important contributors to the overall impact of the image.
The lighting technique used in this portrait is a combination of Split Lighting with a touch of Low Key drama.
I used two lights only. A fill light on the right side of the model could have been used, as well as a back light onto the background, but I decided that a fill and back light would distract from the dramatic lighting effect which I wished to create.
The key light was diffused with a 150X50 strip and placed to the left of the model. The light was placed low (slightly behind the model) and angled upwards towards the model.
The hair light (fitted with a honeycomb grid) was placed on a boom stand and angled downwards aiming the light at her left shoulder. The honeycomb grid made it easy to direct the light onto a specific place.
