Godox AD-S200: A Versatile Tool for On-Location Headshots and Portraits

When it comes to headshot and portrait photography on location, lighting control and portability are everything. That’s where the Godox AD-S200 bare bulb stick flash head becomes a secret weapon in your kit. Compact and powerful, this light is ideal as a hair or rim light to separate your subject from the background—especially in tight spaces or when you're working solo.

What sets the AD-S200 apart is its unique linear shape, which creates a narrow, directional light that’s soft enough for portraits but punchy enough to add definition. When used overhead or behind the subject, it offers elegant hair highlights that elevate your final image.

But we didn’t stop there. To maximize its potential, we DIY’d a center mount adapter that allows the AD-S200 to work seamlessly with the Godox S2 bracket and a parabolic reflector. The result? A stunning main light setup that’s lightweight, travel-friendly, and powerful enough to handle demanding sessions—whether you're shooting outdoors, in an office, or on location at a client’s space.

This modification transforms the AD-S200 into a dual-purpose tool: great as a hair light and surprisingly beautiful as a main key light with a parabolic modifier. It's one of those DIY hacks that can seriously upgrade your portable lighting setup without adding bulk.

If you're a headshot or portrait photographer looking for lighting solutions that are compact, flexible, and professional-grade, the Godox AD-S200 deserves a spot in your bag—especially when paired with a bit of custom ingenuity.

Need lighting that travels with you? Ken Tam Photography offers professional headshot and portrait photography across Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau. Book your session today!