Lighting Equipment 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Essential Gear

Good lighting can completely transform a shot. Whether you're working with a camera for photography or video, knowing the right tools, and when to use them, makes all the difference. A good camera will capture a high quality photo but it can’t fix bad lighting. 

Here’s a breakdown of commonly used lighting equipment, separated by photography and videography, complete with brand examples and ideal use cases. 

Lighting Equipment for Photography

1. Strobes (Flash Units)

Strobes are the go-to for still photography when you need powerful, controlled light bursts.

• Examples:
  
  
  
  • Godox AD600 Pro (battery-powered, portable)
    
    
  • Profoto B10 (high-end, lightweight)
    
    
  • AlienBees B800 (budget-friendly studio work)
• Best For:
  
  
  
  • Headshots (clean, flattering light)
    
    
  • Fashion photography (crisp, high-detail images)
    
    
  • Product photography (control over highlights and shadows)

2. Continuous Lights for Photography

Continuous lights are increasingly used in photo shoots, especially when real-time lighting control is needed.

• Examples:
  
  
  
  • Aputure LS 300X (bi-color LED for flexible color temperatures)
    
    
  • Nanlite Forza 60B (compact and portable)
    
    
  • Godox SL150II (affordable studio LED)
• Best For:
  
  
  
  • Portrait sessions (when working with slower shutter speeds)
    
    
  • Product videos and stills (hybrid shoots needing both video and photography)
    
    
  • Creative shoots (artistic lighting where shadows and highlights need precision)

3. Modifiers for Photography

‍

• Examples:
  
  
  
  • Westcott Rapid Box Octa (quick setup for portraits)
    
    
  • Profoto Deep Umbrella (more contrasty look)
    
    
  • Neewer 5-in-1 Reflector (affordable and flexible)
• Best For:
  
  
  
  • Beauty shoots (soft, flattering light)
    
    
  • Outdoor portraits (diffusing or bouncing natural sunlight)
    
    
  • Studio headshots (controlled catchlights in eyes)
    
    

Lighting Equipment for Videography

1. Continuous LED Lights for Video

Continuous light is a must for video. LED technology now dominates because it's bright, cool-running, and flexible.

• Examples:
  
  
  
  • Aputure 120d II (widely used on narrative and commercial sets)
    
    
  • Nanlite MixPanel 150 (switches between hard and soft light)
    
    
  • Litepanels Gemini 1x1 Soft (professional-grade, true color accuracy)
• Best For:
  
  
  
  • Corporate interviews (consistent, soft key lights)
    
    
  • Narrative films (cinematic setups with fresnels and modifiers)
    
    
  • YouTube content creation (lightweight, adjustable kits)
    
    

2. Practicals and Accent Lights

Practical lighting adds realism by using light sources visible within the scene, like lamps, LEDs, or even neon.

• Examples:
  
  
  
  • Astera Titan Tubes (RGB, wireless control, very popular in music videos)
    
    
  • Aputure MC RGB Light (pocket-sized, magnetic)
    
    
• Best For:
  
  
  
  • Music videos (dynamic color effects)
    
    
  • Narrative scenes (motivated lighting from "natural" sources)
    
    
  • Commercials (setting mood without bulky rigs)
    
    

3. Grip and Modifier Tools for Video

Modifying light is crucial for controlling the look of video scenes.

• Examples:
  
  
  
  • Matthews C-Stands (industry standard for rigging)
    
    
  • Chimera Softbox (big, soft light for interviews)
    
    
  • Flag Kits from Matthews or Impact (control spill and create contrast)
• Best For:
  
  
  
  • Documentary interviews (soft, naturalistic lighting)
    
    
  • Corporate video (crisp but professional setups)
    
    
  • Short films (creative and dramatic looks with shaping)

Quick Use-Case Summary

• Godox AD600 Pro (Strobe): Outdoor headshots, location fashion shoots
• Aputure LS 300X (Continuous): Product videos, hybrid photo/video shoots
• Profoto B10 (Strobe): High-end portraits, editorial photography
• Aputure 120d II (Continuous): Corporate interviews, YouTube videos
• Astera Titan Tubes (Practical): Music videos, creative narrative lighting
• Matthews C-Stand (Grip): Rigging lights for narrative films and interviews

Conclusion

Starting with the right lighting gear depends entirely on what kind of projects you’re shooting.

• Photography often focuses on controlled bursts of light and shaping detail precisely.
  
  
• Videography relies on continuous lighting setups that stay consistent over time, often incorporating moodier or more naturalistic looks.
  
  

Knowing the right brands and types gives you a serious head start—not just in buying gear, but in planning shoots that feel intentional, polished, and professional. If you need gear rental, contact BW today!

‍