Continuous light stays on all the time, so what you see is what the camera records. Place a main light to one side of your subject at about forty-five degrees, soften it with a diffuser, and add a second source to lift the shadow side.
Why Continuous Light
Unlike flash, continuous lighting lets you judge shadows and highlights with your own eyes, which makes it easy to learn. It works for both stills and video, and it is useful for product shots, interviews and portraits. The tradeoff is that it is usually less powerful than flash, so you often need a higher ISO or wider aperture.
Build a Basic Setup
- Place the main light about forty-five degrees to the side and slightly above eye level.
- Place a diffuser, such as a softbox or a sheet of diffusion fabric, between the light and the subject.
- Add a fill source on the opposite side, dimmer than the main light, or use a white card to bounce light back.
- Place a small light or window behind the subject to separate them from the background.
- Set white balance to match the lights, then check skin tone on screen.
- Adjust distances. Closer lights are brighter and softer; farther lights are dimmer and harder.
Match the Color
Lights differ in color temperature. Daylight is generally around 5600 kelvin, and warm indoor bulbs are lower. Mixing sources can produce odd skin tones, so close curtains or turn off room lamps that do not match. Many panels let you adjust color temperature; check the maker’s guide for the range.
| Setting | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Video shutter speed | About double the frame rate, for example 1/50 at 25 frames per second |
| Photo shutter speed | Match your normal rule, 1/125 or faster for people |
| Flicker | Use a shutter speed matched to mains frequency if you see banding |
| ISO | As low as light allows |
Heat, Power and Cables
Some lights get warm during use. Keep them away from fabric and paper, give them space to cool, and follow the maker’s safety instructions. Tape down cables so no one trips on them, and use stands with firm footing so a light does not tip.
Test the setup with a stand-in before the real session. Move the main light a little closer and farther away, and compare how the shadow edge softens. Small moves teach you more than any chart.
FAQ
Do I need three lights?
No. One light and a reflector can give a clean look. Extra lights add shape and separation when you are ready for them.
Why does my video flicker?
Some lights pulse at the speed of the mains supply. Changing the shutter speed to match often removes it.
The Short Version
Place a diffused main light to the side, add fill and a back light as needed, and keep colors matched. Set a sensible shutter speed and watch for flicker, heat and cables. Continuous light is a friendly way to learn how shadows behave.
