3 Practical Ways to Use a Continuous Light for Food Photography

I share 3 practical ways to use a softbox for food photography using the Godox VL200 continuous light. And the oranges have made a comeback...
Sign up for PREMIUM:
www.figandligh...
Folding foam boards:
(Amazon) geni.us/3poekE
Godox Softbox:
(Amazon) geni.us/BvXUH
Custom-made surface by:
@Hijabs and Aprons
Sawhorses:
(Amazon) geni.us/nZjUrk
Sign up for UPDATES on my Food Photography Lighting Course:
www.figandligh...
INSTAGRAM:
/ figandlight
MY MAIN TOOLS:
Main camera: (Amazon) geni.us/iC8ze
All around lens for my videos: (Amazon) geni.us/hSE2vR
My favorite lens for food photography: (Amazon) geni.us/V8deG
The tripod I use and recommend: (Amazon) geni.us/KYUiWBR
My choice speedlight: (Amazon) geni.us/gJ4NE
Profoto Air Remote for Canon: (Amazon) geni.us/8AysuMI
Best budget speedlight: (Amazon) geni.us/iaHoEU
Stripbox with grid: (Amazon) geni.us/6UqJFU
MagBox: (Amazon) geni.us/sf9cAcN
Godox Softbox: (Amazon) geni.us/BvXUH
My Main Video Light: (Amazon) geni.us/6hMf
Bracket to mount speedlights: (Amazon) geni.us/qF1Yl
Favorite brand C-stands: (Amazon) geni.us/cWFOQLz
Adapter to mount camera to c-stand: (Amazon) geni.us/kKuccLW
Negative Fill Foam Boards: (Amazon) geni.us/BDTVKZ
White Foam Boards: (Amazon) geni.us/uLZMO8
Clamps: (Amazon) geni.us/fffzi
More clamps: (Amazon) geni.us/SWhoVd
Main choice diffusion material: (Amazon) geni.us/A55cCf
Music I use for KZbin videos: bit.ly/2TEza2Y

[@isamunhos4542]

Brandon, I've asked you this exact question a couple of weeks ago and you were kind enough to answer me and now I come here to see you made a video on it. It might've been a coincidence but the timing was just perfect. Thank you SO SO much for passing on your knowledge. You're an amazing photographer and teacher. I can't wait to finally get the result I was looking for but was struggling to achieve. Cheers!

[@figandlight]

Wow, that's awesome! Thank you Isa. I actually planned a different topic for this video but it got too complicated fast, so I shifted towards something more practical and I'm glad to see that it helped! Thanks again.

[@NadiaTariqBakeFresh]

You stand out amongst all the food photography videos, please make more

[@markokovacevic3225]

Thank you so much for this video! You are one of the handful of people I have the notification bell on for. Thank you for your knowledge, sir!

[@figandlight]

Thank you Marko! It's an honor to be on your notification list!

[@markokovacevic3225]

@@figandlight Thank YOU sir! If you don't mind a follow up question, in previous videos you showed techniques with a Godox SL-60, and now you own a VL200, can you tell how much brighter is the VL vs the SL? I'm looking into getting the VL150

[@Jay-yi6ml]

I did buy Godox SL60W thinking it’ll help me in photography but was disappointed. But this video motivated me to give it another shot ! Thanks 😊

[@figandlight]

Man, it sucks to hear when a light disappoints someone. It's one of the reasons I created this video and I'm glad it help motivate you again! Thanks for watching Jayesh!

[@modernswahili]

Thanks God I found your channel, am learning so much😀 just awsome Thnks you

[@Ancorarte]

That’s great! Also any video about the C-Stand setup ( grips, accessories?) ? I just bought my first C-Stand, arm, super clamp etc 😆

[@pdotj]

Another video which motivated me to get up and practice lighting 🤩 Thanks a lot

[@figandlight]

Yesss thanks for watching Prathamesh!

[@dinomarcos2287]

You’re doing a great job! Youre really a big help. Thank you for imparting us your knowledge in lighting and photography. Also I like the way you put this video together. More power bro!

[@figandlight]

Thanks man! I really appreciate that!

[@abhyanshuchauhan5818]

So Brandon solves the problems that you never knew you had. Great video!

[@figandlight]

hahaha 😬

[@C.Radulescu]

I might go with just this setup for a video and photo setup for starters. Thanks!

[@ashleygotschall7402]

Amazing, per usual. Thanks for including the not-perfect stuff like the foam boards. And can I say...yes it is mindblowing results. Light is such an important part of the art of photography and it's upped mine immensely. So grateful for your videos. You're right, practice has made me so much better at lighting, every time I watch a video I get pumped up to go shoot! THANK YOU!

[@figandlight]

Thank you Ashley, I really appreciate that! And I'm glad I can motivate you to shoot more! haha

[@bridgettewilliams]

And another one in my DJ Khaled voice! Thanks for sharing this! I have stuck with natural light only for years and never took the time to mess with lights much even though I purchased some led panels a couple of years ago and have a few soft boxes. This week I broke em out and was quite surprised at what I got in my test all based on watching your videos!

[@figandlight]

hahah That's awesome! I'm glad to hear that, thanks for watching Bridgette!

[@ipurvi]

Love the backgrounds you use. Do you create them yourself?

[@MrCindywill317]

Yas! More continuous light video please! I bought one because of you🤣

[@figandlight]

I got more planned haha and that's awesome!

[@burnrouterasmr]

Amazing, I'm learning so much from you and enjoying every video. Truly a great quality content with a good ASMR vibe. Just pure gold! Keep it up!

[@88kajin]

Man!! From EVERY video of yours I get to learn something new!! ❤️ Thanks a lot.. 😊

[@figandlight]

yesss 🙏 I'm glad! Thanks for watching Kajin

[@Nadia-gl4xs]

thanx a lot for the video

[@HijabsandAprons]

MORE MOOD FOR THE FOOD! 😂😂😂😍 I love this demo along with the live problem solving by simply talking aloud so we can understand your thought process (which is very relatable!) PS: I'm glad you're enjoying the custom surfaces!

[@figandlight]

hahahah I'm sure that phrase has been used before. And thank you! I was nervous cause I'm not familiar with talking on the fly, but I'm glad you found it helpful! Thank you Leena! And the surfaces are incredible, thank you so much!

[@jpalczewski]

good notes

[@darioplayonfire]

super cool video! thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@jeremiahyoung5931]

Awesome video! Thanks

[@nightdonutstudio]

The more you tilt the softbox, the shorter the shadow will be. So for the first set up. You tilt quite a lot. Make the shadow very short which does not look very natural. Second set up your softbox does not tilt. So it create long shadow makes it more appealing.

[@ALRAYES8]

Hi dear, thanks for your tutorial, are you have idea about Golden Eagle LED 1000w, its continus light, can i used it for food photography? It will be good?

[@figandlight]

hi! I have never used that light, but at 1000W...I'm almost 100% sure it'll be just fine for food photography.

[@Chalito5]

Would love to see a video on the different backdrops you use, or textured panels that you use as backdrops. Love the videos!

[@GalacticoUC]

Hi Brandon one question, why in 7:15 you use iso 400 and 1/6 as shutter speed and not Iso 100 and slower shutterspeed to compensate. Great content, thanks!!

[@cultivatingclarity]

How powerful a night would you say someone needs? Would the Amaran 100x work?

[@ashleygotschall7402]

Love the content on continuous light, it is my light of choice simply bc I work with photo and video food content right now. I can't afford to have multiple at the moment due to space mostly. so, thank you again for providing this kind of content.

[@figandlight]

As always, thank you, Ashley! Hope to serve more

[@private6962]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what specific Godox light is Brandon using?

[@timkuhlman1977]

Great Video! Is the soft box you use in the video the same as the affiliate link. The one in the video looks bigger.

[@figandlight]

It should be! I checked the link and the size is the same from when I got it. Hope that helps!

[@ramiroloyola]

Ey man i love your videos and i would like to know why you choose to shoot at 1/20 shutter speed?

[@ryeceas]

same dilemma for beginners like me. we tend to buy things that we see in other pro photographer with a thinking that it will make our output better in reality its not. thanks for the reminder and for sharing. :)

[@figandlight]

I agree. Thanks for watching Ryan!

[@StackPH]

I'm currently using 3 Yongnuo YN 300 for both video and Photography and I sometimes find that I don't have enough power especially for video. Will a Godox SL-60W be a good upgrade? Can I Mix that Godox light with my existing Yongnuo lights?

[@figandlight]

I think you can. I'm not familiar with the YN 300 light, but I'm sure you can mix in the godox light if you wish.

[@StackPH]

figandlight thank you so much! I’m learning so much on your channel especially the continuous light series I can definitely apply them on my future videos and photos!

[@samiissa7668]

I can't believe this guy has only 10k subscribers

[@figandlight]

I can't either, it's SOOO many people 😬 haha thank you Sami!

[@ashleygotschall7402]

every time he releases a video, I think about how valuable this is (like gold to me) - how does he not have more subscribers.

[@samiissa7668]

@@ashleygotschall7402 exactly

[@SusanneGeert]

You use the term "grey light" - could you please explain what this means? I have recently com across the terms "grey light" and "blur light" in (food) photography. Do you know what they are? Great video - thanks for sharing!

[@SusanneGeert]

At 7:13 you use ISO 400 - can I please ask why you don't go to ISO 100 when you are on a tripod? Is a strip box is your eyes a great help for food photography? Thanks;-)

[@giovanischerer]

Your videos are so good that are inspiring me to set up a mini studio here in my house, and i hope you are already getting rich, beacause the people should be throwing money on you.

[@bharaninathkomandur6330]

Very nice video. Simple but well explained. Also, instead of just buying more gear, go out and shoot with what you already have. Good advice.

[@elizabethallingham2402]

At 7:43 in this video, you turn off an LED light but I don't see that listed in your list of tools. Can you provide the link for that and say why you use it? Thanks.

[@Roshel-Patisserie]

Hi what Video Tripod System you use for your camera on this video, Thank you

[@figandlight]

I mainly use the Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Aluminium Tripod both for photo and video. If you're wondering if I'm using a gimbal, I'm not. I'm just moving my camera hand-held.

[@Roshel-Patisserie]

@@figandlight Thank you

[@jimmylor27]

have you try to mix with countinuous light and strobe together?

[@jermainemcdonald-downes2200]

How long does it normally take for you to get the shot you want? I feel I get discouraged a lot when I feel I'm taking too long or not getting the shot I want. I'm aware that it's a game of patience and I clearly lack that lol. But ya!!

[@figandlight]

I think it depends on the difficulty of the shoot AND your experience working with light. For the most part in food photography, I think it's normal to take quite some time just to get 1 or 2 shots because that's just the nature of food photography. A lot of detail goes into every shot! I don't necessarily time myself, but I would say it takes me 1-2 hours if I'm comfortable with the style I'm going for, and then 3-4 hours if I'm experimenting and unfamiliar with the style I'm going for. Again, that's just for me. It depends!

[@jermainemcdonald-downes2200]

@@figandlight makes sense. Currently for me, I find myself getting into shoe photography more and I would like to do food as well, and for 1 I know that lighting is key which is why I watch your videos a lot, your way of teaching is simple for me to understand and I appreciate it!!! But I guess all in all I have to be more patient with myself and play around until I get things right. Thanks again. I genuinely appreciate your response and your work 👍🏿

[@MAGICSIX]

Are you using a polarizer? I get a good amount of glare when the light is so close.

[@tareqrashad2740]

Thanks for sharing this information with us. I have a question: What is the best lenses for cooking video? I have cooking channel and I am using the 10-18mm canon lens but isn't good enough.

[@figandlight]

Thanks for watching Tareq! I wish the answer were that easy. My short answer will be a macro lens and a tighter focal length, somewhere between 50 and 100mm

[@kavitataneja5819]

Hey, I just bought a digitek DCL 150w continuous led light for product photography. I saw a lot of photographers use godox SL 60w , so went on to purchase this one as it was under my budget. But I feel very disappointed:( It's not upto my expectations . I feel the intensity is too low and it won't fulfill my needs. 😭 Please tell me that my money didn't go to waste?🤐

[@tvchanel-kh2705]

Hello I want to learn about Food photography & Retouching, I want you to introduce?

[@ChrisWalterVisuals]

Just found this video and your channel, easy sub and like. Really helpful stuff

[@brunosousadias9454]

wow man !! I'm a big fan. Thanks for this information !!!

[@chrisstocker]

How do you do back lighting without getting a sheen on the backdrop under the plate. I use Black Velvet wooden textures in tests but they look unrealistic as they have a sheen and pick up in the lens. No amount of changing the large softbox will make any difference. Looks especially bad when the gaps between the wood have sheen. Side lighting is Ok.

[@swapnil218]

You talk and look like Lewis Hamilton... Btw your videos are great and very informative...

[@AlignedwithMyself20]

Thank you so much for this channel! I have just started with studio photography as my design subject in uni and all of these videos have helped me understand the basics a lot! Thank you for keeping every concept super simple and easy to understand. I'm working by making legit everything makeshift (using cardboards and books for a tripod and what not) YET every concept with lighting still holds true! I kid you not understanding from your videos and working practically is slowly helping me build confidence in clicking! Thank you!

[@lotusflower3275]

Hello! what studio racks you use for top view shot?

[@lensaccess7825]

Wait did Afrojack just teach me about food lighting ? :)

[@fellowcreator]

One more continues lighting video in the row, love this series...and also his word:p

[@figandlight]

Thank you Rohit, I appreciate that!

[@francismelendez5596]

Qq... You planning on making a video talking about the props, backdrops or surface that you uses!?

[@figandlight]

I am actually! And I'm taking note of everyone's feedback and suggestions. Most of my time right now is occupied on getting my course finished and released, but once it's done, I hope to focus more on KZbin again.

[@francismelendez5596]

Thnks, gtk

[@AlexandruLuchita]

thanks for the information, very helpful. What photography ball head do you use for the tripod?

[@josesparisib1]

hi again!!! thanks , very good Video.

[@figandlight]

Thank you Jose!

[@4401099]

at 7:13 you have iso400 F7.1 Speed1/6, may I ask what is the percentage of your mainlight? is it already at 100%?

[@nicepiersonmphande3832]

How much did it cost for all those lightings?

[@saffronscent4297]

Hello, just got myself Godox SL 60W. However I find its hard to make a dramatic look using CL. I was wondering, can I use universal Snoot in my Godox? So that I can point the light only to the POI. Thanx

[@nthaliadias]

I am Brazilian. I really wish it had automatic translation into Portuguese, your videos are very good. I didn't find anything similar on Brazilian channels. 👏

[@abydaqueen2739]

What microphone you using ?

[@rickghaly]

Bro, it's nice to know everyone get's clowned by foam core. LOL. I wish I had video rolling on some of my clown shows.

[@han.chen.mp4]

Great sharing, I like it very much. Are oranges real? Do you choose to use oranges because they won’t soften?

[@figandlight]

Thanks! Honestly, it was the only food object I had ready at the time of this recording

[@artistborin23]

Hi great video of photography knowledge ever! looking forward to see more video like this.

[@jasbarlegaspina1220]

Man the software scares it's terrifying

[@Franciehatescoffeeicecream]

hey do you think you can light with the godox 60 instead of the 200? Would it be dramatically worse for image quality? I also have a TT860C Speedlight

[@Don_terrenos]

Would you recommend buying a Godox Sl60 or an LED Bicolor Pannel?

[@figandlight]

i think there’s good use for both! but i’ve never used an LED panel, so i can’t be fair in what id advise.

[@sigfreed11]

What is the continuous light link?

[@unegziste]

Wooooouuuueee what a great video. Thanks for the tips surely useful I'll apply it in my tomorrow's practice.

[@subodhsharma6706]

Absolutely fabulous. Key is to keep practicing and experimenting. Learn from them and implement in your next photo shoot. Very nice work👌🙌🙌

[@Motshwane.Letsoalo]

Hey Brendan, where'd you get the stands that you've placed your board?

[@figandlight]

Hey Mo, I got them off of Amazon. Metaboo is the brand ( I think). if you type in "sawhorses" there should be a bunch of other options.

[@Motshwane.Letsoalo]

@@figandlight thanks 👍🏾

[@nuzusecam]

can a 60w do these? 😅

[@moSahl]

If you want to use a reflector when using continuous light, use a mirror or a mirror like surface to get more light back onto your subject.

[@ChundomanX]

I love you bro, you're helping me to cope with my own problems with your amazing videos, it's pure magic happening

[@diskomiks]

Are you a voiceover artist or a trained actor? Your delivery and personality wouldn't be out of place in quality, mainstream TV.

[@huongtrinh8609]

THANK YOU

[@TVLovesMe]

Really enjoy your style of tutorials. Question: How do you choose your camera settings? Is it purely for exposure? Or do you decide aperture and adjust the rest accordingly? That's what I struggle to understand from tutorials, I see the settings which I could copy but Id like to know the reasoning.

[@zahrachannel5956]

👌Good luck and lasting success 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@alexalexandru2745]

Can I make a bad from your voice? Helpful video, man! Thank you!

[@christopherjerometabernill8425]

I have Godox SK400 strobe light, is it better to have a continuous light like Godox SL60 for better food shot? Ty

[@figandlight]

Unless you're also doing video, I'd stick with your strobe light.

[@christopherjerometabernill8425]

@@figandlight how about speedlight? Is it better to have that one? Ty

[@giovanischerer]

I already watched (and liked) all of your videos, please create more awesome content

[@limbongpernakpernik8780]

Please your camera use

[@joyaloliverafilms915]

what mount do you use for the top angle ?? can you please share a link for it? TIA

[@figandlight]

You mean for my c-stand? I use a kupo adapter: geni.us/mountadapter

[@joyaloliverafilms915]

@@figandlight thank you so much, this will help a lot!! 🙏🙏

[@Ancorarte]

@@figandlightdiscovering your channel now! Amazing if you have a video with C-Stand setup: the grips and accessories needed! :) Ah, I subscribed just after these cool light tips 😊

[@vladolaf2601]

Awesome! Thanks bruh! It's really opened my eyes

[@尹广平]

Thank you so much for your videos! Very Nice!!

[@weztastudio6170]

Amazing content! Thank you

[@figandlight]

Thanks Nikolai!

[@susanbuentello2656]

I am so glad I found your channel. I have learned more about artificial light since I started watching your videos than I have ever learned before. Thank you for making it so accessible.

[@williamwen1465]

This is so good for me, thank you so much!!! Hope you can have more video like this. Big love!

[@pratibhasingh7262]

I have started using Digitek 150w with 80cm softbox but i find artificial light too harsh even with50%, shadows are too dark and shutter speed is too. Can you guide me what size diffuser I should go for? What should be the intensity of light?

[@figandlight]

Did you try moving the softbox closer? If anything, I would try adding in a full card to fill in some light to the shadows.

[@pratibhasingh7262]

@@figandlight i did, but then light on subject look too harsh… if i reduce the intensity of light then shutter speed go for a toss… i also used a reflector on opposite side to fill in the shadows. How much intensity of light is advisable for 150w? Is 80cm softbox too small ? I am missing my natural light setup😀

[@kavitataneja5819]

Hey, Pratibha! I just bought a digitek DCL 150w for food & product photography. Also got a 80 cm softbox and with the softbox, even at 1/250s the intensity of the light feels too low. I feel disappointed with my purchase :( Would you mind sharing your experience with it?

[@ozonemedia6469]

my new mentor

[@connicreate6988]

what video software do u use for tethering your dslr?

[@simonwalter7142]

Great plate

[@guilhermecoelho8479]

great video man! thanks

[@abdullahraslan6301]

I love you

[@midnightadventures8047]

ok boy

[@DougGriggPhoto]

thanks for this great video bro! look forward to more!

[@НадеждаШорина-д5с]

what brand of tripod you have?

[@figandlight]

manfrotto

[@nycsugar6522]

When doing your food photography do you use a macro lens?

[@limbongpernakpernik8780]

Pakai camera apa ini pak

[@alakazamedoudou]

good work i love it! Thanks you for the tips