Lighting

If you’re a one-person crew or working with a small team on photo production, you’ll know the pain—especially when it comes to lighting setups. It can be one of the most frustrating parts of a shoot. It’s not just about turning a light on. It’s the constant need for micro-adjustments: tilt it a little more, feather it to the edge, raise it higher—only to realize the angle’s off and you have to bring it back down again. When your light is way up there, you never really know how much to tilt until it’s already in the air.

Godox has announced three new LED lights and light mats: the FL100R, FL200R, and FL200SR. The company positions these full-color LED panels as affordable lighting solutions for small studios and independent content creators, building on their existing KNOWLED F series.

Photographers talk about lighting all the time—how to shape it, soften it, bounce it—but we don’t talk enough about how lighting can tell a story. It doesn’t just illuminate a scene; it sets the emotional tone and builds the narrative.

Choosing between shade and backlighting for outdoor portraits can dramatically affect how your subject appears. Knowing when to use each can elevate the quality and style of your photography significantly.

This flash accessory pack is a must-have for anyone with the Neewer Q4 flash. Furthermore, they increase the versatility and, therefore, desirability of the flash. Here are some examples of what the modifiers do.

Understanding how light behaves is essential to taking control of your photos. Lighting not only elevates your technical skill but directly shapes how your viewers feel about your images.

Creating a clean, white background for portraits can be tricky, especially if you’re limited to just one light. Getting this right without relying on heavy editing can improve your skill set and streamline your workflow.

Lighting portraits demands creativity and a clear vision. Whether you're aiming for elegance or drama, understanding lighting setups can dramatically improve your portrait photography.

Understanding where to position your softbox and choosing the right size matters more than you might realize. Good lighting isn't just about power; it's about placement, distance, and modifier size, which can dramatically alter the feel of your images.

An unusual Soul Service Station in the desert. Long streaking stars. Surreal light painting. We take you behind the scenes to reveal how you can also create photos such as this.

Knowing how to effectively use continuous LED lights and v-flats can greatly simplify your process, helping you capture professional results without excessive gear.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Strobe misfires aren't typically celebrated, but sometimes, these unintended mistakes create standout images.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Using v-flats creatively can significantly expand your lighting options during portrait shoots. Knowing how to position and manipulate these simple tools helps you shape light in ways standard modifiers often can’t.

Creating professional headshots doesn't mean you need expensive or complex lighting setups. Umbrellas, though often overlooked, can deliver beautifully flattering light with simplicity and versatility.