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

Godox SL200IIBi LED Bi-Color Video Light

Smith Victor CINE-Flood 3000 2 Head Kit with Bowens Mount

Smith Victor SlimPanel 800W 2-Light Daylight LED Kit

amaran T4c RGBWW LED Tube Light with Battery Grip (4 ft.)

Aputure 1 ft. INFINIBAR PB3 RGB LED Light Panel

Nanlite FS-150 AC LED Monolight

Nanlite PavoTube 15C 2 ft. RGBW LED Tube with Internal Battery 4 Light Kit

Nanlite PavoTube 6C 10 in. RGBWW LED Tube with Battery

amaran T2c RGBWW LED Tube Light with Battery Grip (2 ft.)

Nanlite PavoTube T8-7X RGBWW LED Pixel Tube 4-Light Kit

Savage RGB Light Painter Pro LED Wand

amaran 150c 150W RGBWW Bowens Mount Point-Source LED Light

Nanlite LumiPad 25 High Output Bi-Color Soft LED Panel

Lume Cube Studio Panel LED Bi-Color 2-Light Kit with Barndoors and Stands

Godox VL200 LED Video Light

Savage 500W LED Studio Light Kit

Smith Victor Cine-Flood 1500 LED Light with Bowens Mount

amaran 2 ft. PT2c RGB LED Light Tube

Aputure Light Storm LS 60d Daylight LED Light

Ushio BCA Lamp, 250 Watts/115-120 Volts - Blue

Savage Edge Lit Pro LED Light

Nanlite Compac 68B Bi-Color Slim Soft Light Studio LED Panel

Aputure 3-Way Flat Connector for INFINIBAR Series LED Panel Lights

Smith Victor SmartLED900 Bluetooth Bulb 2-Light Kit

amaran SM5c LED Light Strip (Multicolor)

Spekular KYU-6 RGB LED Light Wrap

Savage LED Light Wand

SmallRig L10 Selection Portable, Beauty-Enhancing and Eye-Caring LED Lamp

Nanlite PavoBulb 10C Bi-Color RGBWW LED Bulb

RPS Studio 5400K 70 Watt Fluorescent Daylight Bulb

Smith Victor 13.5 in. LED Ring Light

Nanlite PavoTube T8-7X RGBWW LED Pixel Tube

Savage 50 Watt Bi-Color LED Light Bulb

Savage 17 in. Vlogger Ring Light

Ushio Frosted 250W 120V Halogen Lamp

Ushio ECA PhotoFlood Lamp 250w 120v (3200k)