3 best lighting equipment for pictures

Lighting equipment for photography, including softboxes and lighting modifiers, plays a crucial role in achieving desired lighting effects and enhancing the quality of photographs. Here's what you need to know:

Softboxes: Softboxes are versatile lighting tools used to diffuse and soften light. They consist of a fabric box-like structure with a reflective interior and a diffuser panel in front. The light source, often a strobe or continuous light, is placed inside the softbox. Softboxes help create even, flattering illumination with gentle, gradual shadows. They are commonly used in portrait and product photography.
Lighting Controls and Modifiers: Lighting controls and modifiers refer to various accessories that photographers use to shape and control light. These include:
- Reflectors: Reflectors bounce light onto the subject to fill in shadows or add a warm or cool color cast.
- Umbrellas: Umbrellas are similar to softboxes but use a curved reflective surface. They come in various types, including shoot-through and reflective umbrellas, each producing a different quality of light.
- Snoots: Snoots are narrow, tube-like accessories that concentrate light into a tight beam, often used for highlighting specific areas or creating dramatic effects.
- Grids: Grids are used to control the spread of light, creating focused beams and preventing light spill.
- Gels: Gels are colored filters placed in front of the light source to change the color temperature or create artistic effects.
- Barn Doors: Barn doors are adjustable flaps attached to lights to control the direction of the light and shape it.
Lighting Stands: Lighting stands or tripods are used to support and position light sources and modifiers. They are typically adjustable in height and angle, providing flexibility in setting up the lighting.
Continuous Lighting vs. Strobe Lighting: Photographers can choose between continuous lighting and strobe lighting. Continuous lighting provides a constant light source, making it easier to visualize and adjust the lighting effect in real-time. Strobe lighting, on the other hand, offers powerful bursts of light, which can freeze fast motion and provide consistent lighting for multiple shots.
Color Temperature: Understanding color temperature is crucial for achieving the right mood and color balance in photos. Daylight is considered around 5600K, while tungsten lighting is typically around 3200K. Lighting equipment often allows for adjusting color temperature to match the ambient light or creative preferences.
Lighting Techniques: Photographers employ various lighting techniques, such as three-point lighting (key, fill, and backlighting), Rembrandt lighting, and butterfly lighting, to achieve specific looks and effects. The choice of lighting equipment and modifiers plays a significant role in these techniques.
Portability: Many lighting equipment options are designed with portability in mind, making them suitable for on-location shoots. Portable softboxes, collapsible reflectors, and compact LED lights are examples of travel-friendly gear.
Budget Considerations: Lighting equipment comes in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to professional-grade gear. Choosing the right equipment often depends on your photography needs, budget, and desired level of control.

In summary, lighting equipment for photography, including softboxes, modifiers, stands, and various accessories, is essential for achieving specific lighting effects and controlling the quality of light in photographs.Photographers use a variety of tools and techniques to create visually appealing and well-lit images.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best lighting equipment for pictures on the market

RALENO Softbox Photography Lighting Kit 20"X28" Photography Continuous Lighting System Photo Studio Equipment with 2pcs E27 Socket 5500K Bulb Photo Model Portraits Shooting Box

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

RICH PACKAGING CONTENT 2 x 20 x 28 softbox window; 2 x E27 5500K 85W 110V CFL bulb; 2 x 27 - 80 height-adjustable light stand; 1 x portable tote from Oxford cloth. Raleno worry-free 365 days warm services and lifetime customer service: if you have any questions about our products, please contact us, we will reply you within 24 hours
SCIENTIFIC SOFT LIGHT TECHNOLOGY E27 socket directly connected to provide light source. Lighting kit uses dual soft light technology. Embossed stone on the silver diffuses the bulb light, reducing light loss and continuously illuminating the light with 2 x 85W bulb. High quality soft 5070 Nylon cloth for smooth light flow, eliminating shadows and making fine light suitable for photographic lighting
LIGHT BULB FOR PHOTOGRAPHY 2 x 85W 110V-50Hz 5500K daylight CFL lighting bulb, the total output is equivalent to 800W ordinary incandescent bulb, low operating temperature, service life of about 8000 hours; independent switch control light, cable length 90 inches, can move freely in the studio, for shooting provide an excellent environment
PORTABLE AND EASY TO OPERATE Foldable to 27 inch and extended to 85 inch adjustment light stand, durable and foldable for portability and work; made of high quality aluminum alloy with 1/4 inch standard threaded tip for heavy duty applications. Sturdy locking system ensures your items are safe from any swing during use; fast locks provide fast and precise height adjustment; durable Oxford cloth tote to accommodate softbox kits
MULTIPLE SCENE APPLICATIONS This softbox is suitable for photography art, and meets the different needs of photography lighting, live broadcasting, video fill light, etc. It can be applied to advertising products, industrial technology photography, portraits and product photography, photographic reproduction, etc

User questions & answers

Question:	What is the average lifespan of the bulbs
Answer:	Mime did not. I keep mine on a magnetic wall mounted strip.
Question:	What bulbs can you use for replacement
Answer:	I'm a leftie and I dont have a problem with it. Although the handle is shaped for a right hander its still comfortable to me.
Question:	Will these use lightbulbs with higher watts
Answer:	It is very sharp as it comes to you.. I touched it up with a ceramic hone.
Question:	Has anyone found this to overheat at all
Answer:	Haven’t had any issue with the knife.

Product features

Remove Shadows and Soften Light

RALENO is committed to providing professional indoor soft light equipment for photographers.

The relief stone line on the silver mirror is reflected to the light diffuser while continuing to soften the light.

Suitable for diffusing light from any flash / flash light and constant light.

Ultimately soften lighting,remove the shadow, to show the perfect shooting.

RALENO Professional Softbox Lighting Kit

Voltage: 110V ( 60Hz )

Lamp holder: E27

Size: 20 "x 28" large soft box

Color temperature: 5500K white light

Wattage: 85W - 800W ordinary incandescent bulb

Nylon Reflect Diffuser Pannel

Reflective texture, internal refraction of light to soften light and eliminate shadows

The silver circle fixes the light bulb to ensure the light is injected and the light bulb continues to work

Adjustable Stand Height

Knob controls stand height from 26.7 inches up to 78.7 inches

Softbox Cover

Soft cover for precise lighting, soften light without glare, can be installed and removed according to shooting needs

Standard US Plug

Special US Plug, 110V Standard Voltage ( 60Hz ) If you need to use our softbox outside the US, please use an adapter to ensure safety

High Color Rendering

5500K color temperature of soft light, daylight output, high fidelity of light, and high color rendering of object imaging, which can fully present photographic details

Uniform Light

The soft light box processes the light to achieve uniform light, makes the light soft, shows the image tension, and reduces the post-editing work

Color Reproduction

The softbox helps the photographer to complete the shooting work highly, restore the physical colors, and make the picture express the photography mood

LimoStudio, LMS103, Soft Lighting Umbrella Kit, Day Light Color, 700 Watt Output Lighting with Tripod Stands and Carry Bag

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

⭐Contents: [3 pcs] 45W CFL Bulb / [3 pcs] Bulb Socket / [2 pcs] 33-inch Umbrella Reflector / [2 pcs] 82.3-inch Light Stand
⭐[1 pc] 29.8-inch Light Stand / [1 pc] Bulb Carry Bag / [1 pc] Photo Equipment Carry Bag
⭐45W Photo CFL Bulb: 6000K / 1820 Lumen / E26, E27 Standard Screw Base / Max Energy Saving up to 80%
⭐33-inch Diameter White Umbrella Reflector: Made of Enhanced Nylon / Works well with Any Flash or Lighting Fixture
👇 Instruction Manual Download, under "Product information" 👇

User questions & answers

Question:	how to you hook them up to the camera
Answer:	These lights don't need to be attached to a transmitter or to the camera, because they are not strobes, but are constant on like a lamp (when the power is flipped to on).
Question:	Will these lights help with at home taping for auditions
Answer:	Yes they spread a lot of light and you are able to cast shadows with them very well.
Question:	Is what I am buying everything in the photo
Answer:	Yes that is everything. 2 tall lights and 1 short one, 2 umbrellas and a carrying bag. Not a bad setup
Question:	Sorry - another question....I've read reviews that you can't replace these bulbs by buying online or from local store - is this true
Answer:	Untrue, the light heads are universal for fluorescent bulbs. I have actually replaced the generic bulbs from this kit for some w/ higher Watts as well as colored bulbs. I purchased mine at my local Batteries Plus... but you can find them online as well.

Product features

Spread out Even Light

White translucent umbrellas are used as an inexpensive and effective way to spread out a light. The best type of lighting modifier for beginning flash photographers.

Soften Light & Natural Shadows

This softens the light and casts more gentle shadows on the subject than if the photo was taken without the umbrella.

Neutral Color of Light

A plain white umbrella will offer the most neutral color of light.

Specifications

33" Translucent White Umbrella Reflector

Made of high quality nylon construction Works well to diffuse the light from any
flash/strobe light or continuous light
Reflects and spreads light stream evenly
Eliminates glare and spots

Single Head Photo Light Holding Socket

On/off Switch
Compatible with 45W photo bulb
Standard lamp base, E26/E27
Code & plug included, 9 ft. long

Neewer 2.6M x 3M/8.5ft x 10ft Background Support System and 800W 5500K Umbrellas Softbox Continuous Lighting Kit for Photo Studio Product,Portrait and Video Shoot Photography

Neewer

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Description:

79"(7 Feet)/200cm Light Stand

The light stand is constructed from aluminum alloy,giving it exceptional strength for heavy duty work.

For simple storage and transport,the stand collapses easily and is very lightweight to carry.

Single Head Light Holder

Made of high impact plastic and aluminum.Support heavy weight and hold up against tough working conditions.

Insert fluorescent spiral bulb and umbrella and adjust your mount so it is at an optimum angle for getting great photographic results.

Lamp base:E27

45W CFL Daylight Bulb

Color Temperature:5500K.

Regular screw base.

Style:Spiral

Input Voltage: 110-130V

33"/84cm White Umbrella

Made of high quality nylon construction.Reflect and spread light stream evenly.

Material:nylon material,Aluminum shaft

24"X24"/60x60cm Softbox

Adjustable lamp holder for different shooting angles.

A white front cover closes the front of the softbox,making varied lighting options quick and easy.

Extra long cords help you move them freely to position it for best lighting effects

Ultimate soften light stream and remove shadow to make perfect shooting

Color:Black/Silver

1.8 x 2.8M/6 x 9 ft Musline Backdrop(Black,White and Green)+Backdrop Clamps

Rod pocket on each top edge allows to be draped or hung.

Finished along all edges to prevent tears.

Single Piece Seamless Design

2.6M x 3M/8.5ft x 10ft Background Support System

Made from aluminum alloy with a professional black satin finish.

Crossbar consists of four sections,making it simple to adjust the width.

It is comprised of two tripod stands and four cross bar sections and includes a heavy duty carry bag.

Carry Bag for Background Support System+Carry Bag for Continuous Lighting Kit

With carrying bag,custom designed for background support kit and photography accessories.

The kit includes:79"(7 Feet)/200cm Light Stand+Single Head Light Holder+45W CFL Daylight Bulb +33"/84cm Umbrella+24"x24"/60x60cm Softbox+1.8 x 2.8M/6 x 9 ft Musline Backdrop(Black,White and Green)+Backdrop Clamps+2.6M x 3M/8.5ft x 10ft Background Stand Support System+Carry Bag for Background Support System+Carry bag for Continuous Lighting Kit.
79"(7 Feet)/200cm Light Stand:Solid safety 3 legs stages,capable for stable,heavy duty work.And use quick single action locks,providing fast precision height adjustment.The single head light holder allows you to attach a bulb to a light stand and add an umbrella.
The 33"/84cm white translucent umbrella can soften,broaden and diffuse the light output of any tungsten or studio flash source.45W day-light studio light bulbs:equals to 200W regular incandescent light bulb output.5500K fluorescent spiral bulb generates a close match to natural daylight and a crisper view of the items being illuminated.It is best for photography lighting.
24"X24"/60x60cm Softbox:Softbox diffuses the light and gives you perfect even lighting when you need for the best shots possible.With E27 socket,you can directly connect light bulbs,fluorescent lamps,or slave flash to offer the light.
1.8 x 2.8M/6 x 9 ft Musline Backdrop(Black,White and Green)+Backdrop Clamps+2.6M x 3M/8.5ft x 10ft Background Support System:The background kit is ideal for television,video production and digital photography.Continuous lighting kit carry case+Background support system carry bag:Great for transporting light stands,umbrellas,and other accessories

User questions & answers

Question:	Are the Back Drops cloth or paper
Answer:	They are cloth, but they are see through. if you are setting it up in front of a widow or somewhere with lighting, it will be very noticeable and obvious in your pictures unless you put extra padding and cloth behind it to hide the light.
Question:	This come with a background stand
Answer:	If you mean the stand to hold the cloth. Yes it does.
Question:	Can the height be adjusted as well? I see that the width can be
Answer:	My wife makes instagram videos and made a youtube video for this... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG-9J_S0lMQ
Question:	It shows 4 stands, 4 bulbs, but only 2 bulb holders? Is that accurate? What do you do with the other stands? It looks like the softboxes have bulbs
Answer:	Mine came today and I can have all 4 lights on at the same time. The softboxes already have the light sockets integrated, and the 2 light holders are just for the umbrellas. I admit I, too, was confused by product description, and the product I received is complete.