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Best Lights For Studio Photography (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for professional quality photos, then studio photography is definitely the way to go. Having the right lighting is key to achieving the perfect shot, and that’s why choosing the right lights for studio photography is essential.

Before making a purchase, there are a few factors that you should consider. First of all, you need to determine the type of photography you’ll be doing most frequently. The lighting requirements for portraits, for example, can be different from that of food photography. Additionally, you should consider the size of the space you’ll be shooting in, as well as your budget. If you’re just starting out, it’s always a good idea to start with more budget-friendly options until you have a better idea of your needs.

Are you constantly struggling to get the lighting just right in your photos? Are you tired of blurry, low-quality images? Are you ready to take your photography to the next level? If so, then investing in the right lights for studio photography can make all the difference. Don’t settle for subpar results any longer – upgrade your equipment and get the stunning, professional-quality photos that you deserve.

10 Best Lights For Studio Photography

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for professional video and photography lighting, with remote control and adjustable color temperature from warm to cool.
2
The product is ideal for table top and photo/video shooting, offering dimmable, adjustable lighting with color filters and a tripod stand.
3
Ideal for video recording, game streaming, and YouTube with adjustable lighting temperature and a flexible tripod stand.
4
The product is ideal for professional photographers to shoot high-quality photos in a controlled lighting environment.
5
The product is ideal for photography and video recording with its softbox lighting kit and 135W 5500K E27 bulbs.
6
This product is ideal for product photography, providing a portable light box with lighting and backdrops for easy shooting.
7
This product is ideal for portrait photography and can be used as a backdrop in a photography studio.
8
This product is ideal for adding a retro, abstract feel to photography backdrops in a studio setting.
9
Ideal for providing a realistic and durable wood-like flooring option for indoor photography studio settings.
10
Ideal for creating a realistic wood floor background for newborn photography in a professional photo studio setting.
Ideal for professional video and photography lighting, with remote control and adjustable color temperature from warm to cool.
The product is ideal for table top and photo/video shooting, offering dimmable, adjustable lighting with color filters and a tripod stand.
Ideal for video recording, game streaming, and YouTube with adjustable lighting temperature and a flexible tripod stand.
The product is ideal for professional photographers to shoot high-quality photos in a controlled lighting environment.
The product is ideal for photography and video recording with its softbox lighting kit and 135W 5500K E27 bulbs.
This product is ideal for product photography, providing a portable light box with lighting and backdrops for easy shooting.
This product is ideal for portrait photography and can be used as a backdrop in a photography studio.
This product is ideal for adding a retro, abstract feel to photography backdrops in a studio setting.
Ideal for providing a realistic and durable wood-like flooring option for indoor photography studio settings.
Ideal for creating a realistic wood floor background for newborn photography in a professional photo studio setting.

1. Yongnuo Led Video Light – Studio Essential!

The LED light features a powerful 900pcs high-indicator lamp, with 450 lamp beads of 3200K and 450 lamp beads of 5600K, providing a total of 95+ High CRI. It adopts an ultra-large lamp panel with diagonal diameter of 390mm, which comes with a professional softbox for a better lighting experience.

The U-shaped bracket enables photographers to adjust the lighting angle according to the shooting environment. The lamp body frame is made of aluminium alloy, which greatly improves the heat dissipation effect, making it an ideal solution for prolonged use.

The LED light comes with intelligent app and remote control. You can remotely control the LED light with the mobile phone app or wireless remote control, which can control the switches and brightness of 8 groups lights respectively. This feature is very useful when multiple lights are used in the same setup.

The LED light comes with two power supply modes: NP-F series lithium battery (not included) and external 19V 5A AC adapter (not included). It also comes with 1 year limited warranty and lifetime e-mail customer support for added peace of mind.

Pros

  • High CRI rating of 95+ for accurate color rendering
  • Large lamp panel with diagonal diameter of 390mm and professional softbox for better lighting experience
  • U-shaped bracket for adjusting lighting angle
  • Aluminium alloy lamp body frame for better heat dissipation
  • Intelligent app and remote control for easy and convenient use
  • Two power supply modes for added flexibility
  • 1 year limited warranty and lifetime e-mail customer support for added peace of mind

2. Streamlite: Dimmable Usb Led Studio Kit

The Multiple-Use LED Lighting Set is an essential tool for photographers and videographers. The small LED panel light measures 5.73×3.78 inches/14.5× 9.6 centimeters and can be adjusted up to 180 degrees to meet different shooting angles. It features 70 energy-saving lamp beads with CRI98+, providing superior lighting with 1000lm and 5600k°(white light effect). It comes with a convenient USB plug that can be connected to desktop PCs, mobile power banks, charging plugs, or USB sockets.

The set includes 9 color filters (Red/Blue/Gray/Yellow/Orange/Pink/Green/Purple/White) that create various shooting scenes for portrait shots, weddings, product displays, macro shooting, and artistic creations. The cable control allows for 10%~100% brightness level options, and the white diffuser inside the light panel efficiently reflects light in all directions.

The Multiple-Use LED Lighting Set is ideal for entertainment and artistic creations, such as YouTube podcasts, live streams, and gaming. It comes with an adjustable tripod that can be connected to the light panel and extended from 27.19’’ (69 centimeters) to 48.39’’ (122 centimeters) to bring low and up light. The light panel can also be rotated up to 180 degrees with a Cold Shoe Ball Head to adjust angles of display according to your needs.

Pros

  • Adjustable LED panel light for versatile shooting angles
  • Convenient USB plug compatible with various devices
  • Energy-saving lamp beads with superior lighting effects
  • 9 color filters for different shooting scenes
  • Cable control for 10%~100% brightness level options
  • White diffuser for efficient light reflection
  • Adjustable tripod for low and up light
  • Cold Shoe Ball Head for 180-degree rotation

3. Niceveedi Studio Light Set – Stream Or Record Anywhere!

The Upgraded Studio Light is a versatile and convenient lighting solution for photography and video recording. It features 352 LED beads that produce ample light and prevent unnecessary shadows, with a high CRI of 97+ for accurate color rendering. The light offers three color temperatures to create different lighting atmospheres, and the brightness can be adjusted from 10% to 100% using the included remote control.

The light panel has an extended design that provides a larger area of soft light, and it comes with a durable storage bag for easy portability. The light is powered by a USB port that can be connected to a 5V, 2A DC wall charger, power bank, or cell phone/laptop using the included USB-C adapter. The height-adjustable tripod stand is made of lightweight aluminum with a powder-sprayed layer and can be raised up to 61 inches. The light panel can be easily attached and detached using the 1/4 inch threads on the top of the tripod, and the panel angle can be adjusted within a range of 180°.

This studio light is suitable for a wide range of applications, including photo studios, video recording, low-angle close shooting, portrait photography, live streaming, vlogging, and YouTube podcasting. The light is lightweight and durable, making it easy to carry around and move. The package includes 2 LED studio light panels with cable, adjustable tripod stand for each light panel, 1 user manual, 1 storage bag, and 2 USB-C adapters. The product comes with a 1-year warranty, and customer service is available to assist with any issues.

Pros

  • Provides ample light and accurate color rendering
  • Offers three color temperatures and adjustable brightness
  • Extended light panel provides a larger area of soft light
  • Lightweight and durable design for easy portability
  • Height-adjustable tripod stand with easy-to-use 1/4 inch threads
  • Suitable for a wide range of photography and video applications
  • Comes with a durable storage bag and USB-C adapter

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for extremely large-scale photography or video projects
  • – May require additional equipment for certain applications

4. Skytex Softbox Photography Lighting Kit

This photography lighting kit includes everything one might need to create a professional-looking studio in the comfort of their own home. The kit includes two 20" x 28" softboxes, two 135W 5500K 110V AC CFL light bulbs, two 79" aluminum alloy light stands, and an Oxford cloth carrying bag. The energy-efficient bulbs have a total output equivalent to a 1350W regular incandescent light bulb, saving energy up to 80% and providing a lifetime of approximately 8000 hours.

These softboxes can soften harsh light sources and remove shadows, enhancing skin tones in portrait photography and creating perfect shooting environments. The silver internal face minimizes light loss and maximizes light spread for optimal results. The rotatable head and adjustable stand make it easy to adjust the angle up to 210 degrees and suit different shooting needs with its 1/4-inch standard screw thread tip. The tripod's height is adjustable from 26 to 79 inches and has 3-section column legs made of aluminum alloy for greater stability and durability.

Setting up the kit is easy and takes only a few minutes. The durable Oxford cloth tote accommodates the softbox kits, making it highly portable and lightweight to carry. The kit is great for home studio lighting, portrait photography, wedding formals, product photography, pet photography, still photography, live streaming, gaming streaming, video recording, interviews, and Youtube videos.

Pros

  • Energy-efficient bulbs save energy up to 80% and provide a lifetime of approximately 8000 hours.
  • Softboxes can soften harsh light sources and remove shadows, enhancing skin tones and creating perfect shooting environments.
  • Rotatable head and adjustable stand make it easy to adjust the angle and suit different shooting needs with its 1/4-inch standard screw thread tip.
  • The tripod's height is adjustable from 26 to 79 inches and has 3-section column legs made of aluminum alloy for greater stability and durability.
  • The durable Oxford cloth tote accommodates the softbox kits, making it highly portable and lightweight to carry.

Cons

  • – None found.

5. Glendan Photo Studio: Portable, Dimmable, And Professional.

Capture stunning product photos with ease using this Photography Light Box. It features 216 high-quality LED light beads with a dimmable range of 0-100, allowing users to easily adjust brightness to achieve the desired lighting effect. The light box also has a high color rendering index of 95+ and no strobe, creating brighter and softer lights that produce natural-looking photos with great texture. The package includes easy-to-assemble components and a durable waterproof carry bag, which makes it convenient to use in different locations without taking up too much space. With six color detachable backgrounds (White/Black/Orange/Blue/Green/Red) made of thicker PVC, users can change the background color to build various shooting scenes as needed. Advanced photography is possible with the special inner reflection board and light diffuser that come with this light box. Junior photographers, advanced photographers, and professionals can all benefit from the multi-angle shooting feature that enables them to choose any photo shooting position to capture perfect product features and beauty. This light box comes with a 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service, so users can have peace of mind knowing that they will receive assistance in case of any issues.

Pros

  • Features 216 high-quality LED light beads with a dimmable range of 0-100 for easy brightness adjustment
  • High color rendering index (95+) and no strobe produce natural-looking photos with great texture
  • Easy-to-assemble components and a durable waterproof carry bag make it convenient to use in different locations
  • Comes with six color detachable backgrounds (White/Black/Orange/Blue/Green/Red) made of thicker PVC
  • Special inner reflection board and light diffuser enable advanced photography techniques
  • Multi-angle shooting feature allows users to choose any photo shooting position
  • Comes with a 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service

Cons

  • – None found

6. Kate Tan Yellow Portrait Backdrop – Studio Props

The Microfiber backdrop is a perfect choice for those who want a soft and easy-to-clean material. Measuring 10x10ft/3x3m (W:3m H:3m), this backdrop is slightly lighter than the website picture. The item is sent folded, making it easy to carry around. Additionally, the backdrop can be customized to meet your specific needs. The material is non-reflective and has shallow wrinkles, ensuring a seamless look. It can be easily folded and carried, making it an ideal choice for various occasions including children, newborn, baby, wedding, holiday party, birthday party, and family decoration.

Looking for a backdrop that is easy to maintain and carry? The Microfiber material used in this backdrop is a fantastic option. The item measures 10x10ft/3x3m (W:3m H:3m) and is lighter than shown in the website picture. The backdrop is sent folded, making it easy to transport. If you need a customized backdrop, this option is available. The Microfiber material is non-reflective and has shallow wrinkles, ensuring a seamless look. It can be easily folded and carried, making it perfect for children, newborn, baby, wedding, holiday party, birthday party, and family decoration.

When it comes to backdrops, the Microfiber material is a top choice. This backdrop measures 10x10ft/3x3m (W:3m H:3m) and is slightly lighter than the website picture. It is sent folded, so you can easily carry it around. If you need a customized backdrop, this option is available. The Microfiber material is soft and easy to maintain. It is non-reflective and has shallow wrinkles, ensuring a seamless look. The backdrop can be easily folded and carried, making it perfect for children, newborn, baby, wedding, holiday party, birthday party, and family decoration.

Pros

  • Microfiber material is soft and easy to clean
  • Non-reflective and shallow wrinkles ensure a seamless look
  • Can be easily folded and carried around

Cons

  • – The actual product is slightly lighter than the website picture

7. Kate Retro Textured Abstract Photography Backdrop

The Microfiber Backdrop is a perfect choice for capturing stunning pictures. It is made of high-quality microfiber material, which is soft and durable, and easy to keep clean. The backdrop features a water droplet texture that adds a unique and creative touch to your photos. It comes in a 10x10ft/3x3m size and is sent by folding, making it easy to carry around. Additionally, the backdrop can be customized to your liking. The non-reflective surface and shallow wrinkles make it easy to click picture-perfect photos. It is seamless and easy to fold, making it convenient for photographers to carry it around. This backdrop is suitable for various occasions such as children, newborn, baby, portrait, wedding, holiday party, birthday party, family decoration, business, and photography studio.

Capture stunning photos with the Microfiber Backdrop. Made of high-quality microfiber material, this backdrop is soft, durable, and easy to clean. The water droplet texture adds a unique touch to your photos. The backdrop is available in 10x10ft/3x3m size and is sent by folding, making it easy to carry around. The non-reflective surface and shallow wrinkles make it easy to click perfect photos. It is seamless and easy to fold, making it convenient for photographers to carry it around. Suitable for various occasions such as children, newborn, baby, portrait, wedding, holiday party, birthday party, family decoration, business, and photography studio, this backdrop is a must-have for all photographers.

Create stunning memories with the Microfiber Backdrop. Made of high-quality microfiber material, this backdrop is soft, durable, and easy to clean. The water droplet texture adds a unique touch to your photos. It comes in a 10x10ft/3x3m size and is sent by folding, making it easy to carry around. Additionally, the backdrop can be customized to your liking. The non-reflective surface and shallow wrinkles make it easy to take perfect photos. It is seamless and easy to fold, making it convenient for photographers to carry it around. Whether you're clicking photos of children, newborn, baby, portrait, wedding, holiday party, birthday party, family decoration, business, or photography studio, this backdrop is perfect for all occasions.

Pros

  • Made of high-quality microfiber material, which is soft and durable
  • Water droplet texture adds a unique touch to your photos
  • Available in 10x10ft/3x3m size and is sent by folding, making it easy to carry
  • Non-reflective surface and shallow wrinkles make it easy to take perfect photos
  • Seamless and easy to fold, making it convenient for photographers to carry around
  • Suitable for various occasions such as children, newborn, baby, portrait, wedding, holiday party, birthday party, family decoration, business, and photography studio

Cons

  • – May look a little different due to differences in device display

8. Light Brown Wood Floor Mat For Photographers

Introducing the premium rubber floor mat that measures 5x4ft/1.5m(W) x 1.2m(H) which can be customized to your preferred size. The floor mat is printed in HD mode ensuring that every signal detail of the pattern is visible on the fabric surface. Its durable and thicken knitted hemming provides long-lasting use while avoiding degumming and warped edges. The natural rubber base makes it non-slip, providing worry-free stability when placed on the ground. To avoid wrinkles and creases, the floor mat is rolled during storage and transportation. It is recommended to roll up the floor mat after photography to maintain its quality.

Enhance the look of any room with this premium rubber floor mat. Its high definition printing mode displays the pattern with stunning clarity on the fabric surface. The floor mat's natural rubber base ensures that it stays in place, providing a non-slip surface. The floor mat is designed with durable and thicken knitted hemming for long-lasting use, avoiding degumming and warped edges. It is easy to store and transport due to its ability to roll up entirely. It is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

This premium rubber floor mat is perfect for adding a touch of style to any room. Its high definition printing mode displays the pattern in stunning detail on the fabric surface. The floor mat's natural rubber base provides a non-slip surface, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. The durable and thicken knitted hemming ensures long-lasting use, avoiding degumming and warped edges. The floor mat is easy to store and transport by rolling it up, making it convenient for photography and other uses.

Pros

  • High definition printing mode displays the pattern in stunning detail
  • Natural rubber base provides a non-slip surface
  • Durable and thicken knitted hemming for long-lasting use
  • Easy to store and transport by rolling it up
  • Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use

Cons

  • – None

9. Kate's Grey Wood Floor Mat For Newborn Photography.

This floor mat is made of premium quality rubber and measures 5x4ft/1.5m(W) x 1.2m(H). If you need a customized size, please contact the seller. The HD mode printing on the fabric surface of the mat ensures that every detail of the pattern is visible. The floor mat comes with a frame and soft hemming, and the seller provides a video introduction on how to extend and fold it.

The floor mat has a durable and thicken knitted hemming that prevents degumming and warped edges, ensuring long-term use. Additionally, the natural rubber base makes the mat non-slip, providing stability during use. To avoid wrinkles and creases, which can be hard to remove, the mat is rolled during storage and transportation. It is recommended to roll up the mat after photography to keep it in good condition.

Pros

  • Made of premium quality rubber
  • HD mode printing ensures every detail of pattern is visible
  • Durable and thicken knitted hemming prevents degumming and warped edges
  • Non-slip natural rubber base provides stability
  • Easy to store and transport, thanks to its rolling design

Best Lights For Studio Photography FAQs

How do I set up my lights for the best results in studio photography?

Setting up lights for studio photography is crucial in achieving the best results. Firstly, it is essential to have a full understanding of the studio equipment available and their respective functions. This includes softboxes, reflectors, umbrellas, and light stands. Understanding how to position these tools will enhance the quality of your shots.

The position of the lights in relation to the subject is also a vital aspect to consider. The three-point lighting setup, consisting of the key light, fill light, and back light, is a popular technique used by photographers. The key light is the primary source of light, placed to one side of the subject, while the fill light is placed on the opposite side to fill in the shadows. The back light is used to separate the subject from the background and add depth.

It is crucial to experiment with different light intensities, angles, and positions to achieve the desired effect. Using a light meter can also help in measuring light intensity and avoiding overexposure or underexposure.

In conclusion, setting up lights for studio photography takes time and practice. Understanding the equipment, position of the lights, and experimenting with different techniques will help achieve the best results.

How many lights do I need for a studio photography setup?

The number of lights required for a studio photography setup largely depends on the type of photography you are planning to undertake. Generally, a three-point lighting setup is considered ideal for most photography genres. This setup includes a key light, a fill light, and a backlight. The key light is the primary light source and is positioned at a 45-degree angle from the subject. The fill light is used to fill in shadows and is placed on the opposite side of the key light. The backlight is placed behind the subject to create a separation between the subject and the background.

For more complex photography setups, additional lights may be required. For instance, if you are shooting high-speed photography or product photography, you may need additional lights to highlight specific features of the subject. In general, the more lights you have, the more control you have over the lighting and the better your photographs will turn out. However, keep in mind that more lights also mean more equipment and a higher cost. So, it's important to strike a balance between your budget and your photography needs when deciding on the number of lights for your studio setup.

What are the best brands of lights for studio photography?

As a content writer, I would suggest that the best brands of lights for studio photography would depend on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer. However, there are a few brands that are known for their high-quality products and are commonly used by professional photographers.

One of the most popular brands is Profoto. They offer a range of studio lighting equipment that is known for its durability, reliability, and versatility. Another popular brand is Broncolor, which is known for its consistent color temperature and high-quality light output. Many photographers also prefer Elinchrom for their studio lighting needs, as their products are known for their affordability and ease of use.

Other brands that are worth considering include Godox, Paul C. Buff, and AlienBees. These brands offer a range of products that cater to different budgets and needs. Ultimately, the best brand of lights for studio photography is one that meets the specific needs and preferences of the photographer, while also offering high-quality and reliable products.

What is the difference between continuous lighting and strobe lighting for studio photography?

Continuous lighting and strobe lighting are two types of lighting that are commonly used in studio photography. Continuous lighting is the type of lighting that is always on, providing a constant light source. It is ideal for shooting video, as it allows the subject to be illuminated at all times. On the other hand, strobe lighting is a type of lighting that flashes at a high rate, providing a burst of light that illuminates the subject.

The main difference between continuous lighting and strobe lighting is that continuous lighting provides a constant light source, whereas strobe lighting provides a burst of light. This means that with continuous lighting, you can see the effect of the light in real-time, which can be helpful for adjusting the lighting on the fly. With strobe lighting, you need to take test shots to see the effect of the light, which can be time-consuming.

Another difference between continuous lighting and strobe lighting is the amount of heat generated. Continuous lighting can produce a lot of heat, which can be uncomfortable for the subject and can also cause damage to the equipment. Strobe lighting does not generate as much heat, making it a better option for longer shoots.

Overall, the choice between continuous lighting and strobe lighting will depend on the specific needs of the shoot. Continuous lighting is better for video and for shoots where you need to see the effect of the light in real-time, while strobe lighting is better for still photography and for shoots where you need a burst of light to freeze the action.

What type of lighting is best for studio photography?

When it comes to studio photography, lighting plays a vital role in creating the perfect shot. The type of lighting you choose will depend on the specific needs of your photo shoot. Generally, there are three types of lighting used in studio photography: continuous lighting, strobe lighting, and natural lighting.

Continuous lighting is a type of lighting that remains on throughout the shoot, providing a constant source of illumination. This type of lighting is best for beginners or those on a budget. It allows the photographer to see the lighting in real-time and make adjustments accordingly.

Strobe lighting, on the other hand, is a type of lighting that provides quick bursts of light. This type of lighting is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects or freezing motion. Strobe lighting is also great for creating dramatic lighting effects.

Finally, natural lighting is a type of lighting that comes from the sun. It is unpredictable and can change quickly, but when used correctly, it can create stunning results. It is important to understand how to use natural lighting to your advantage, as it can be difficult to control.

Ultimately, the best type of lighting for studio photography will depend on the photographer's specific needs and preferences. It is important to experiment with different lighting techniques to find the perfect lighting setup for your photo shoot.

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