Photography is a beautiful and creative art form, but its also a technical practice.
Whether youre a professional photographer or a hobbyist, knowing the different types of photography lights and how to control them is an essential part of taking stunning photos.
In this article, well uncover the answer to the question, What are photography lights called? and explore the various types, including continuous lighting, LED lighting, incandescent lighting, and fluorescent lighting.
Well also discuss the basics of using strobes and flashes and how to control the direction and intensity of your lighting setup.
If youre interested in improving your photography skills and understanding more about the technical aspects of the craft, read on!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Photography lights are typically referred to as studio lights, strobes, flashes, or speedlights.
They typically provide more lighting than natural lighting and are used to create a specific light effect in a photograph.
They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from large studio lights to handheld flashes.
Types of Photography Lights
Photography lights, also known as studio lights, are an essential tool for photographers who want to create the perfect look and feel for their photographs.
Different types of studio lights offer different features and capabilities, so its important to understand the different types of lights available and how they can be used to create the perfect shot.
Continuous lighting, such as LED, incandescent, and fluorescent lights, is the most common type of studio lighting.
These lights are used to control the direction and intensity of light in a photograph, as well as the color temperature.
Continuous lighting is typically used to provide a constant source of light, creating a softer, more natural look in a photograph.
Strobes and flashes are another type of studio lighting.
These lights are used to provide short bursts of light, resulting in more dramatic and contrasty images.
Flash photography is often used to freeze motion, resulting in sharp and detailed photographs.
Finally, photographers may also choose to use colored gels and filters to further manipulate the look and feel of their photographs.
Gels and filters can be used to add color to a photograph or to adjust the color temperature.
No matter what type of photography lights you choose to use, they can all be used to capture amazing images.
With the right lighting, photographers are able to create stunning photographs that capture their vision.
Continuous Lighting
Continuous lighting, also referred to as non-strobe lighting, is a form of lighting used by photographers to create a desired look and feel in their photographs.
Continuous lighting typically takes the form of LED, incandescent, and fluorescent lights.
These lights work by emitting a constant stream of light that is used to control the direction and intensity of light in a photograph.
The advantages of using continuous lighting are that it is relatively inexpensive, versatile, and easy to set up.
Photographers can use these lights to control the color temperature of the light, adjust the intensity, and direct the light source.
Continuous lighting is ideal for capturing low-light situations, such as indoors or at night.
It is also a great option for taking portrait and product photographs.
The downside of using continuous lighting is that the light sources can be quite intense and can create harsh shadows on the subject.
Photographers must be mindful of the light direction and intensity when using these lights to create a balanced image.
Additionally, continuous lighting can be time-consuming and difficult to manipulate, since the intensity cannot be adjusted quickly or easily.
Overall, continuous lighting is a great option for photographers who need to create a desired look and feel in their photographs.
With the right lighting, photographers are able to capture amazing images.
LED Lighting
LED lighting is one of the most popular types of photography lights used by photographers.
LED stands for light emitting diode and it is a type of semiconductor light source.
LED lighting is known for being energy efficient and providing a higher quality of light than other types of photography lights.
LED lights are available in a range of colors, from warm to cool, and a range of sizes, from small to large.
LED lights are perfect for photographers who want to create a specific atmosphere in their photographs.
They are also popular for their ability to be dimmed, which makes them great for both low light and high contrast photography.
LEDs are perfect for portrait photography as they provide a beautiful, even lighting for the subject.
Incandescent Lighting
When it comes to photography lights, one of the most popular types is incandescent lighting.
Incandescent lighting is typically used in studio settings as it is easy to control and provides a soft, warm light.
Incandescent lights are created through the use of a filament that is heated by an electric current.
This creates a warm light that is often used to create a more natural feel in a photograph.
Incandescent lighting is also ideal for capturing certain colors, as it can provide a spectrum of colors that are difficult to recreate with other lighting sources.
However, it is important to note that incandescent lights can produce a lot of heat, which can be a problem in a studio setting.
Additionally, incandescent lighting is relatively inefficient, as much of the energy used is converted to heat rather than light.
Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent lighting is one of the most popular types of photography lights.
It is usually used in studio settings and can be used to create a variety of effects.
Fluorescent lights are used to create a soft, diffused light that is not too harsh.
This type of lighting is often used to create a natural look and feel in photographs.
Fluorescent lights are often used in portrait photography because they provide even lighting across the subjects face, which eliminates harsh shadows.
Additionally, fluorescent lights offer a wide range of color temperatures, making them a great option for creating different types of lighting effects.
Fluorescent lights are also very energy efficient and cost-effective, making them a great choice for photographers on a budget.
Strobes and Flashes
Strobes and flashes are essential components of a photography lighting setup.
These lights are used to create dramatic effects in photographs and to freeze a moment in time.
Strobes are a type of continuous light, meaning they emit light in short, intense bursts.
They are often used to freeze a moment in time and capture a fast-moving subject.
Flashes, on the other hand, are non-continuous lights that emit a single burst of light.
They are often used to provide a subtle highlight or fill light in a photograph.
When using strobes and flashes, photographers can adjust the intensity and duration of the light output to achieve the desired look.
They can also manipulate the direction of the light to create interesting shadows and highlights.
This type of lighting allows photographers to create images with a unique atmosphere and mood.
It also allows them to capture images that would be difficult to capture with natural light.
Controlling Direction and Intensity
Photography lights, also known as studio lights, are used by photographers to control the direction and intensity of light in a photograph.
By making use of reflectors, diffusers, and other modifiers, photographers are able to direct and shape the light as needed to create the desired look and feel of a photograph.
This can be especially useful when shooting in low-light situations, as it allows the photographer to bring out details and colors in an image that would otherwise be lost in the dark.
The intensity of a photograph can also be controlled with studio lights.
By adjusting the power of the light, photographers can create a range of different looks and effects, from low-key and subtle to high-contrast and dramatic.
The amount of light can be increased or decreased, depending on the desired effect.
Additionally, the color temperature of the light can be adjusted, allowing the photographer to create different moods and atmospheres in their photographs.
By using studio lights, photographers have the ability to bring out the true beauty in their work.
With a little bit of practice and the right equipment, photographers can create stunning images that capture the essence of the moment.
Final Thoughts
Photography lights, also known as studio lights, are an essential tool for photographers to create the desired look and feel of an image.
With the right lighting, photographers are able to control the direction and intensity of light, as well as the color temperature, to capture amazing images.
Whether youre a beginner or a professional, its important to understand the various types of photography lights and how to use them to your advantage.
Now that you know what photography lights are called and how to use them, put your knowledge to the test and start creating stunning photographs!.