Video lights for wedding details
A versatile lighting tool that is always in my camera bag – a video light. With a video light you can localize how you light up something like details at an event. Unlike bounce flash, it doesn’t light up the entire scene – just where you point the video light at. Eg: bounce flash vs video light. I love LED video lights (affiliate), since they are compact, don’t run hot, and the color balance can be continuously changed from 3200K tungsten (Incandescent) to 5600K Daylight. Light is produced flicker free at any frame rate or shutter angle.
It is just the sweetest little device that easily fits into a side-pocket in my camera bag. It is spendy, but has come in handy at just about every wedding I’ve photographed.
Here is how I shot the shoes in the photo at the top. I sometimes hand-hold the video light while shooting, but it isn’t always practical. Camera shake is a risk. Also, for proper directional light, it just needs to be properly placed – here I used a light-stand. The obvious and best way to do it.
- camera settings: 1/250 @ f/4.5 @ 160o ISO
- recommended LED video light
- Nikon D4
- Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR macro /equivalent Canon 100mm f/2.8 IS macro
That the WB can be adjusted continuously between 3200K tungsten to 5600K daylight, helps you in matching the light on your subject, with that of the environment. This LED light also doesn’t give that ugly greenish color cast that some of the cheaper LED lights do. Via a dimmer dial, brightness can also be controlled without causing abnormalities in color.
- camera settings: 1/160 @ f/2.8 @ 200o ISO
- lighting enhanced with and LED video light
- Nikon D4
- Nikon 24-70mm f2.8G AF-S /equivalent Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II
Related articles
- Bounce flash vs video light
- Bounce flash vs. available light vs. videographer’s light
- Using video light for macro detail photos
- More articles on using video lights
Thank Neil! Just what I was looking for!
Thanks Neil! Been wanting a video light for some time now. Looks like a good time to buy!
Thank you Neil – ordering one. Makes great use for low key outdoor portraits, including being able to focus in the dark.
I have invested in LED’s as I do some Video shooting as well. I use mine to light up the bride and groom for the first dance it gives a much more dramatic look than using flash, I place one in each corner, have also got them out for bridal prep and detail shots.
Did you photograph this wedding alone ?
How much your approach differ when you don`t work with an assistant ?
With this wedding, I had an assistant with the formal photos and photos of the bridal party. He held up the Profoto B1. The rest of the wedding was solo.
My approach doesn’t differ much – I still shoot with the same approach as if I were the only photographer there.
I’m surprised that LEDs can put out that much light at 1/160 and distance.
In these examples, keep in mind that the LED video light isn’t doing all the work – there is some available light around (especially in the shot of the dress.) The video light here helps in being a spot-light on what I’m photographing.
I’m using Lowel Gl-1. I admit that is harder to carry but is a great light.