Continuous Lighting: Photography & Video

Continuous lighting equipment, or constant lights, provides a steady source of light that is always on for both photography and video shooting applications. Unlike strobe lighting, which emits a short burst of light when triggered, continuous lighting provides a steady stream of light that allows photographers and videographers to see exactly what their shots will look like before they start shooting.

Continuous lighting offers several advantages over strobe lighting in addition to real-time preview. Constant lights deliver versatility for both photo and video, and they produce more natural-looking light. Continuous lighting is also easier for beginners to work with and requires less technical expertise than professional strobe lighting equipment.

We carry a wide selection of continuous lighting equipment with various light sources, including LED, tungsten, and fluorescent lights. When using continuous photography lighting, it's important to pay attention to factors such as color temperature, brightness, and the quality of light produced. You may need to experiment with different types of continuous lighting and settings to achieve the desired look and feel for your photos or videos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is the Most Efficient Form of Continuous Lighting?

LED lights are the most efficient form of continuous lighting currently available. Unlike tungsten or fluorescent lights, LED continuous lighting consumes minimal energy and produces negligible heat. Since continuous lighting remains on for the entire shoot, the heat and energy efficiency of LED lights are a significant consideration for both safety and budgetary purposes.

Do I Need a Special Power Source for Continuous Output Lighting?

Most continuous output lighting systems are designed to be user-friendly and can easily be plugged into standard electrical outlets. However, some high-power models, especially those used in professional settings, may require a dedicated electrical circuit to handle the increased load.

Can Continuous Lighting Be Used Outdoors?

Absolutely, continuous lighting can be utilized in outdoor settings, but there are important factors to consider. The most crucial is the power source. While many continuous lighting systems are designed for indoor use and require electrical outlets, there are battery-powered LED continuous lighting options specifically designed for outdoor use.

Can Continuous Lighting Produce Professional-Quality Results?

Absolutely. High-quality continuous lighting equipment can produce results comparable to strobe lighting, especially in controlled environments. With the right set-up and attention to factors like color temperature and brightness, continuous photography lighting can yield professional-grade photos and videos.

How Do I Balance Continuous Lighting with Ambient Light?

Balancing continuous lighting with ambient light is easier than you might think. Because you can see the effects of continuous lighting in real time, you can easily adjust the intensity and direction of your lights with internal settings and light modifiers to complement or counteract existing light conditions.

Can I Use Continuous Lighting for Portraits?

Yes, continuous lighting is a popular choice for portrait photography as it offers a natural-looking, versatile, and user-friendly setup that can help you capture the perfect portrait. Constant lights also make for a more comfortable experience for your subjects, as continuous lighting can be less startling and harsh on their eyes.

Can I Use Continuous Lighting and Strobe Lighting Together?

Absolutely, using a combination of continuous lighting and strobe lighting is a common practice among professionals to achieve a balanced and dynamic lighting setup. Each type of lighting offers its own set of advantages, and using them together allows you to capitalize on the best of both worlds.

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Continuous Lighting

Arri SkyPanel X23 Modular LED Panel

Arri SkyPanel X22 Modular LED Panel

Arri SkyPanel X21 Soft & Hard Light Package

Arri SkyPanel X21 Soft Light Package

Arri SkyPanel X21 Modular LED Panel

Nanlite PavoTube II 30XR 4 ft. RGB LED Pixel Tube Light (4-Light Kit)

Nanlite PavoTube II 15XR 2 ft. RGB LED Pixel Tube Light (4-Light Kit)

Nanlite PavoTube II 30XR 4 ft. RGB LED Pixel Tube Light (2-Light Kit)

Nanlite PavoTube II 15XR 2 ft. RGB LED Pixel Tube Light (2-Light Kit)

Nanlite FC500B Bi-Color LED Spotlight

Nanlite PavoTube II 30XR 4 ft. RGB LED Pixel Tube Light

Arri All-Weather Control Panel

Nanlite FC300B Bi-Color LED Spotlight

Nanlite PavoTube II 15XR 2 ft. RGB LED Pixel Tube Light

Aputure LS 1200d Pro Light Storm Daylight LED Light

Aputure LS 600d Daylight LED Light (V-Mount)

Nanlite PavoTube II 30X 4 ft. RGBWW LED Pixel Tube with Internal Battery 8 Light Kit

Nanlite PavoTube II 30X 4 ft. RGBWW LED Pixel Tube with Internal Battery 2 Light Kit

Nanlite PavoTube II 30X 4 ft. RGBWW LED Pixel Tube with Internal Battery 4 Light Kit

Aputure 4 ft. INFINIBAR PB12 RGB LED Light Panel

Nanlite PavoTube II 15X 2 ft. RGBWW LED Pixel Tube with Internal Battery 2 Light Kit

Smith Victor OctaBella 1500W 3-Light LED Softbox Kit with Boom Arm

Aputure MC Pro RGB LED Light Panel (8-Light Kit)

Nanlite Forza 720B Bi-Color LED Monolight with Rolling Case

Aputure MC Pro RGB LED Light Panel

Aputure MT Pro-1 Tube Light Kit

Nanlite Forza 500B II Bi-Color LED Light

Aputure 2 ft. INFINIBAR PB6 RGB LED Light Panel

Aputure Light Storm LS 60x Bi-Color LED Light

Nanlite FS-60B Bi-Color Studio Spotlight

Nanlite FS-200B Bi-Color LED Monolight

Nanlite PavoTube II 30X 4 ft. RGBWW LED Pixel Tube with Internal Battery

Aputure Light Storm LS300X Bi-Color LED Light Kit with V-Mount Battery Plate

amaran COB 60x S Bi-Color LED Monolight

Nanlite MixPanel 60 RGBWW LED Panel

Westcott 18 in. Bi-Color LED Ring Light Kit with Batteries and Stand