Recent Lighting Articles

Which Neewer Panel Light Would You Choose?

Neewer has released two new panel lights. Perfect for video and great for photography too, these powerful yet affordable arrays have slightly different functions and open up a host of creative possibilities. If you were seeking this kind of lighting, which would you choose?

Portrait Magic Revealed

When it comes to creative portraits, sometimes the simplest things can make or break your vision. Likewise, there are times when small details in a scene can give your portraits that little something special.

Studio-Grade Lighting, Pocket-Sized Power: The Hobolite Micro Bi-Color Light Review

In the ever-evolving world of studio lighting, innovation isn’t just about power—it’s about precision, adaptability, and pushing creative boundaries. While industry giants dominate the conversation, companies like Harlowe quietly redefine what’s possible. With cutting-edge technology and an artist-first approach, Harlowe’s latest lighting solutions challenge conventional setups, offering photographers and filmmakers new ways to shape light with control and finesse. Could this company be the next big disruptor in the lighting game?

The Art of Controlled Lighting for Striking Portraits

Exploring how to intentionally push your creative limits can dramatically improve your portrait photography. Whether you're seasoned or starting out, understanding how to control lighting effectively shapes your style and widens your capabilities on set.

Creating Dramatic Black and White Photos in Monochrome Mode

I’m obsessed with color. Like, deeply. Bold tones, dreamy palettes, warm hues—color is one of the main reasons I fell in love with photography. But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the raw emotion and timeless feel of a strong black and white photo.

Flash‑Ambient Balance Made Simple

Balancing on‑location flash with existing light sits at the heart of compelling portrait work. Photographers who understand how a slight shift in ambient exposure reshapes mood and subject separation gain tools that make creative intent feel effortless rather than frustrating.

Unlocking Better Outdoor Portraits With a Beauty Dish

Using a beauty dish in portrait photography is often misunderstood or avoided because of misconceptions around harsh lighting and challenging shadows. Yet, mastering this lighting tool can elevate your outdoor portraits significantly, creating a natural, defined look that large, soft modifiers can't replicate.

How to Recreate Natural Light With Flash Techniques

Natural light versus flash is one of photography's enduring debates, influencing how you control mood, exposure, and sharpness. But what if you could have natural light whenever you wanted?

Making Space in Your Home for a Photography Studio

Don’t think you have enough space at home for a studio? Laura BC knows how to make the most of what’s at hand, and her latest video is a goldmine for overcoming your limitations when it comes to shooting space.

Dramatic Lighting for Black-and-White Portraits

Black-and-white portraits can emphasize textures, shadows, and depth. Mastering this style will set your work apart, offering striking visuals that command attention.

It's the Light Stupid (Part One)

Every photo you’ve ever taken is just a record of one thing: light. It’s the invisible brush that paints every image, and if you don’t understand it, you’re not really photographing.

Mastering Light for Better Photos

One of the most critical elements shaping your images is the quality of light. Understanding this directly impacts how your photography feels, setting apart casual snaps from intentional artistry.

How to Create Authentic Portraits Through Flexible Lighting

Effective portrait lighting isn't about sticking to strict rules or imitating standard setups. Knowing when and why to adjust your lighting approach directly influences your results, making your portraits feel genuine and expressive.

Flash vs. Continuous Lighting: Which is Right for You?

Photographers often debate whether to use flash or continuous lighting, and each option has a direct impact on the appearance and mood of your photographs, as well as affecting the convenience of your workflow.

How Lighting Consistency Can Make or Break Your Images

There's a common misunderstanding among photographers about color accuracy and consistency in photo and video lighting setups. Knowing the difference can significantly impact your final image quality, especially in professional scenarios.

Secrets Behind a Dramatic Multi-Light Beauty Setup

Lighting setups for beauty photography often lean toward simplicity, but there are times when complexity pays off significantly. Advanced lighting allows you to create highly detailed, dramatic, and eye-catching images that simple setups might not achieve.

Creative Portrait Techniques Using Beauty Dishes and Gels

A beauty dish offers ways to elevate portrait photography through dramatic and defined illumination. Mastering this modifier unlocks fresh creative options, particularly if you've typically relied on softer lighting.

Direct Flash: When and How to Use It Effectively

Lighting can make or break a shot, and sometimes, bouncing flash or relying on ambient light isn’t an option. Dark venues, black ceilings, and outdoor night scenes demand a different approach. Knowing how to use direct flash ensures you’re never stuck in a situation where poor lighting ruins your images.

Why You Need to Understand This Lighting Technique

Even if you have no interest in lighting theories or filmmaking, you will have a good understanding of how light affects a scene or image's mood. But if you want to control the mood with precision, you need to understand the techniques behind it.
SmallRig’s RC 220B Pro LED Video Light Reviewed: Smart Features and Flexibility

SmallRig has recently unveiled the RC 220B Pro LED Video Light, marking a significant evolution in its COB lighting lineup. Promising professional-grade performance in a lightweight, compact package, the RC 220B Pro is positioned to be the go-to light for video creators of all levels. I’ve had the opportunity to put it through its paces in real-world production environments to see how it stacks up.

The Secret to Consistent Lighting in Headshots

Getting consistent results in headshots can be a challenge, especially when you're shooting in different locations with varying lighting conditions. If you've ever had to match headshots taken in different offices or on different days, you know how tricky it can be. The right approach ensures your clients get the consistency they expect without unnecessary stress.

Maximizing Portrait Photography Efficiency With Clever Lighting

Whether you’re working with athletes in controlled environments or trying to create a dramatic effect, the way you set up your lights can make or break the shot. Understanding how to efficiently arrange and use your lighting gear allows you to maximize your time while producing high-quality images.

5 Easy One-Light Patterns Anyone Can Master Fast!

Sometimes, improving your studio portraits isn’t about adding more lights—it’s about making better use of the ones you already have. This highly useful tutorial covers five essential lighting patterns in portraiture and compares the setups. In this in-depth yet quick guide, Pye Jirsa delivers clear and practical demonstrations designed to produce bold, impactful results without overcomplicating your workflow.

A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Modifiers

Modifiers are essential tools for shaping light, and knowing how to use them can dramatically affect the look and feel of your images. These tools allow you to control the quality, direction, and intensity of light, which is crucial whether you’re shooting portraits, products, or events.

How Reflectors Can Instantly Improve Your Portraits

Improving your portraits doesn’t always mean investing in expensive gear. Sometimes, a simple tool like a reflector can make a world of difference. Reflectors are versatile, cost-effective, and easy to use.

Black vs. White Grids: Do They Really Make a Difference?

Light control is one of the most important aspects of photography. Whether you’re lighting a subject or creating mood through shadows, tools like grids can shape how your final image looks. But not all grids are the same, and subtle differences can affect the results in ways you might not expect.