Photographers today have a variety of lighting sources at their disposal. And using LED light for photography is one of their options. It can be used for a variety of applications and provides many benefits for photographers. In this article, we will talk about some basics you want to know about it and recommend the top pick LED photography lights at COLBOR.
Are LED lights good for photography?
The answer is yes. And the benefits are as follow.
LED lights are adjustable and come in various colors.
LED photo light saves you time in adjusting camera settings. This equipment is available in daylight, bi-color, or RGB, offering you various options. It allows you to capture pictures and colors exactly as they appear in real life, eliminating the need to post-process shots. It is usually adjustable in brightness and color temperature. All you have to do is to set the proper intensity and color using the onboard buttons, remote control, or App. Then everything is ready to go.
LED lights allow you to see lighting while shooting.
When employing an LED panel, you can instantly determine how much light you need for the shoot. This will also allow you to make adjustments if needed. It also reduces trial and error throughout the shot.
LED light for photography produces less heat.
As a photographer, you are well aware of how horribly hot a studio may become when utilizing traditional lighting. Fortunately, LED studio lights keep the actors and photographers cool and comfortable during the entire shoot. Because of its relative coolness, it may be used in places where regular bulbs would be hazardous. You may also use gels on LED lights without worrying about them burning.
LED lighting allows you to seamlessly transition from photography to videography.
Rather than requiring separate lighting sets for photography and videography, LED studio lights may be used for both. It offers the continuous lighting that is needed for video shooting. This reduces the number of gears you need and simplifies your photography bag.
LED VS fluorescent lights for photography: What are the benefits?
LED photography lights have the following advantages over the fluorescent type.
- LEDs are known to be relatively cool.
- LEDs have a long lifespan.
- LEDs utilize less energy than incandescent lamps and are thus more eco-friendly.
- LEDs have a high color rendering index (CRI) and are getting increasingly affordable.
- LEDs are not affected by regular switching. They light up and switch off instantaneously. There is no warm-up period like fluorescent lights.
- LEDs perform well in hot and cold temperatures.
Which LED continuous light for photography at COLBOR is best for you?
COLBOR has introduced several LED studio lights for photography to the market. They vary by power output and color temperature.
CL60R: RGB LED light for photography that can be powered by mobile power supplies
Among these three choices of LED light for photography, the CL60R is the only RGB LED light. It makes use of RGBWW COB beads to provide full color with customizable hue ratings and saturation. The sensitive audio system allows it to "hear" ambient sounds and respond with light effects. With a wide spectrum of hues and an audio-visual balanced experience, these two elements work together to offer additional creativity to your photographs.
The CL60R has dimensions of 140*80*90mm and weighs 600g. Besides receiving power from mains with power adapter, it is also one of battery powered led lights for photography, which means it can be powered by V mount battery, NP-F battery, and even PD power bank.
CL60R review video
Video by Christopher Michael Law to introduce the CL60R in view of build quality, PowerCube design, features, sensitive audio system, and some potential drawbacks.
CL220: Photography LED lighting equipment accepting various light modifiers and photography accessories
The CL220 delivers a constant 220W of power. It can reproduce colors correctly with a color temperature of 2700-6500K and a CRI of 96+. At 3200K, the TM-30 index is Rf94 and Rg102+.
In addition to compatibility with Bowen-mount modifiers, which is also a characteristic of the CL60R, the CL220 is constructed with a conventional NATO groove to accommodate numerous NATO attachments. It allows you to modify the illumination and create your own LED light kits for photography.
CL220 review video
This video by Chris Spice shows how to control the CL220 with the onboard buttons and COLBOR Studio App and tests the brightness at different powers.
CL330: Powerful LED light for photography with red-green color compensation
The COLBOR CL330 and CL330M are 330W LED photography studio lights. At a steady 330W output, it produces correct color with a TM-30 index of Rf96/Rg103. The Red-Green Color Compensation ensures that all illumination is consistent in color. The Bowens mount, NATO groove, and different power source options provide excellent lighting control and mobility. It also comes with an efficient temperature management system to ensure optimal working temperature. The CL330 is an excellent solution for filming, photography, live streaming, and other professional applications.
Basics of LED light for photography: What other types of LED Lights are commonly used?
Generally, there are other three common types used for photography besides LED studio light. They all offer outstanding lighting for the shot but each features something different. Read on to have an overall understanding.
LED strip light for photography
LED strip lights are pieces of material that are long, thin, and flat. They resemble fairy lights. However, the LED lights are linked to these material strips. The adhesive on the back of the strips allows them to adhere to walls. You may also frequently chop them up for extra creative alternatives. You can sync certain strip lights to music so that they flash and change in time with the beat. It can liven up any picture shoot. They are also great for setting the mood. A mundane filming setting may be transformed into a neon dungeon or a romantic retreat.
LED light panel for photography
An LED light panel is a flat device that contains LED bulbs. It comes in both rectangular and spherical shapes. Both provide flat, continuous illumination that may be used for a number of photo types. They are suitable for portraiture and head shots. They're also useful for Zoom calls and online conferencing.
LED ring light for photography
This type of LED light for photography is ideal for portrait and self-portrait shooters. The LED lights are arranged in a circular pattern—a ring. And you present the ring to your subject. It casts even illumination across the subject's face, eliminating harsh shadows. It also adds lovely glitter to the eyes. It is popular among TikTokers and social media stars.
How do you make perfect photography with LED lights?
Lighting is a crucial aspect of photography. It is the element that gives any scene structure, texture, and highlights. There is no feeling of depth or dimension in photographs unless there is light. So, how do you set up nice lighting while photographing with LED lights? Here are some basic tips:
Ensure that your background is evenly lighted. The backdrop should be well-lit, with no harsh shadows or dark areas.
Use different LED light colors to create varied effects. For example, red may provide a sunset-like appearance, whilst blue and green might produce more unusual effects such as glowing eyes or other special effects ideal for Halloween or Christmas photographs. Experiment with various colors to achieve different results!