Proper lighting is crucial in photography, or your photos will be dull and unattractive. There are various types of lighting equipment available on the market. In this article, we will focus on how to set up photo studio LED lights for better image outputs. Read on and learn about basic 3-point lighting and level-up techniques.
How to set up LED light for room photo studio using basic 3-point lighting?
For the greatest photos, you will need adequate and stable lighting if you set up an interior studio, whether temporary or permanent. Instead of arbitrarily arranging lights around your studio area, follow the steps below for setting up indoor photography lighting.
1. Invest in the recommended minimum of three LED lights for photo studio
If you do, you are guaranteed the best results by using them to set up key, fill and back lighting. However, if you don't, make modifications to your lighting and windows, and use your walls and ceiling as reflectors for the light you have.
Table: Photo studio lighting equipment recommended at COLBOR
You may wonder which to choose since there is a large amount of lighting equipment available. COLBOR has manufactured LED studio lights of different power outputs to work as key or fill lights. Check the table below to have a quick view of their specs.
|
LED studio light |
CL60 |
CL100X |
CL220 |
CL330 |
|
CRI |
97+ |
97+ |
97+ |
97+ |
|
Color temperature |
CL60: 2700K-6500K(±200); CL60M: 5600K; CL60R: 2700K-6500K(±200); RGB |
CL100X: 2700K-6500K(±200); CL100XM: 5600K |
CL220: 2700K-6500K(±200); CL220M: 5600K |
CL330: 2700K-6500K(±200), G/R Compensation; CL330M: 5600K |
|
Beam Angle |
≈∠120°; Reflector ≈∠15° |
≈∠120°; Reflector ≈∠15° |
≈∠120°; Reflector ≈∠15° |
≈∠120°; Reflector ≈∠15° |
|
Illumination(at 3.28ft/1m 5600K, With Standard Reflector) |
22655Lux |
25070Lux |
105000Lux |
128000Lux |
|
Output power |
＞60W |
≥100W |
220W |
330W |
2. Set key light
This is the main and most powerful light source in photo studio LED lights. It determines the total exposure of a scene. It is often placed on a light stand at a 45-degree angle to the camera, somewhat off to the side of the camera and the front of the subject. This casts shadows on the subject's opposite side of the face, giving it depth and dimension. It creates the mood of a scene.
It may produce a high-key image (evenly, gently illuminated, and atmospherically cheerful) or a low-key image (strong contrasts, deep shadows, and highly moody) depending on its placement and the additional lights used in the overall illumination.
3. Add the fill light
The fill light, which mirrors the key light on the other side of the camera, physically fills in the shadows cast by the key light on a subject, drawing details in the darkness. It is often less bright than the key light, and cinematographers adjust the overall feel of their scenes by dimming or brightening the fill light. A dim fill light with a high fill ratio casts a high-contrast, film noir-style shadow, whereas a brighter light with a lower, more balanced ratio casts a more equal shadow.
The second light isn't usually a lamp: it may be a reflector, a bounce card, a wall, or anything else that reflects light back onto the subject to fill in the shadows.
4. Set up the back light
The backlight (sometimes known as the rim or hair light) shines on the subject from behind. This generates a circle of light or contour around their head, pushing them away from the backdrop and adding depth. Backlights are often placed immediately behind the subject or high enough to be out of frame, opposite the main light, and aimed at the back of the subject's neck.
5. Experiment with distance and angles
After setting up photo studio LED lights, move them around to test the results. You can move them farther away from the subject or closer to the subject and also try different angles, aiming them higher or lower. Set everything up so you can see exactly how all the lights operate together and whether or not their impact is exactly what you meant it to be once you've chosen their purpose, size, distance, intensity, and location.
How to light a photo studio with level-up techniques?
You can use continuous LED lighting for studio photo to create high and low key photos according to the moods you want to achieve.
High key lighting ideas
Let's start with a fundamental comprehension of its meaning. In a multi-light system, the term "key" refers to the primary light. The term "high" refers to the brightness of this light in comparison to others. As a result, in this setup, the main light is stronger than the other lights, known as fill lights.
In general, this setting provides a photograph in which the subject is largely free of shadows, allowing the highlights to take center stage. The technique is commonly coupled with bright lighting in the backdrop in portraits and similar photos to render it solid white.
It is usually used in the following photo types.
- Baby photography: Children's photographs should be cheerful and lively. If you're photographing a baby resting on the ground, be sure the light source isn't creating a shadow on the image. It's preferable to make the infant sit, but if it's a toddler, be sure to manage the light correctly so there are no strange shadows on the face.
- Portraits: From time to time, we require a cheerful photograph to make us appear active, enthusiastic, and happy. A high key picture may give you and your models a sense of invincibility. These photographs are excellent for displaying a person's optimism and active perspective.
- Weddings and couples: When it comes to couples and weddings, high key photography is the greatest. Why? The bright and airy atmosphere of the images emphasizes the couples' loving sentiments. We want them to experience happiness and love, which is why the enigmatic gloomy atmosphere of low key photography is inappropriate here.
- Commercials: Any commercial shot will benefit from high key lighting. Make a thing appear appealing by using bright colors and making it airy and light. The object will elicit positive emotions and attract potential buyers.
How to set up photo studio lighting for low-key photos?
A dark background is required to achieve low-key illumination. Then you must decide on the sort of light source you will use. When utilizing photo studio LED lights for this effect, avoid directing them directly to your subject.
You may begin by pointing the source 45 degrees to one side, taking a few shots, and adjusting the light until you achieve the desired effect. You may also experiment with your camera's ISO, shutter speed, and focal length before adjusting the light's position.
You may find yourself adopting low-key lighting for photography in the following situations:
- Close-up shots of people and locations, particularly those with a more serious tone, such as those used in journalism.
- Situations with a high level of drama and passion, such as a significant sporting event or serious political development.
- Photos that might appear better with darker tones than brighter tones.
- When you want to concentrate on a certain aspect of a person or an object.
- And so forth...
Conclusion
Setting up photo studio LED lights can be finished by using various techniques, ranging from basic 3-point lighting to high or low key methods. And you can try many other setups that help you create the best outcomes. Just keep learning and trying.