LED Light Panels Are Terrible For Lighting Unless You Do This

Flat panel LED lights can be very difficult to modify, and most people use them incorrectly and end up with sharp directional light that looks terrible. If you follow these steps you can take one of the most boring lights in the world and make it look pretty interesting. Learn Jay P's tips in this Laws of Light Tutorial! #LEDLight #Lighting #portrait
Light Panel used is an Aputure Light Panel that is no longer made. Closest light today is the Aputure NOVA P300c: bhpho.to/3hjtk5P
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Jay P. Morgan has been working as a Commercial Photographer and Film Director in the Los Angeles area for more than 20 years developing an impressive list of clients from Paramount to McDonald's. Jay P.'s experience with elaborate set design and extensive lighting are key to the success of his illustrative work.

[@JS-wz3km]

I find these lighting series videos you do really helpful. Thanks for putting in so much time on them!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you like them! Thanks for your feedback!

[@LaVidaClara]

This video is excellent!

[@gentlegnt]

Perfect...perfect tutorial. Showing in real-time how changes can change with slight movements. Thanks so much.

[@TheSlantedLens]

You're welcome. Glad it was helpful!

[@SpectralightPhoto]

Excellent presentation. I love the 2nd camera on the model that shows the lighting changes as you adjust the lights.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thank you very much! Glad you liked it!

[@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker]

Ouch .. I did the point at subject and blast them ... I was frustrated that so many people recommended these LED panels, but I couldn't get the nice soft view. And a lot of the diffusions that work on these lights are so small, it's not much bigger than the light themselves. Love the cheap parchment paper, and duh, why didn't I think to bounce it off the ceiling ... anyway look forward to breaking out my lights and playing with it some more. Great tutorial

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you found it helpful. Have fun experimenting!

[@anups7958]

These lighting series are excellent! Love the fact that you are discussing different types of lights,

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you like them! Thanks for your comment!

[@slightlyopinionated8107]

So talented that you make this all look easy! And appreciate that you leave the side cam open so we can see what you are doing. Amazing videos!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you found the video helpful!

[@SuzanneKanavel]

absolutely fantastic video. thank you! so much great information.

[@myname-mz3lo]

the right brand of parcment paper beats diffusion paper any day . and the price is better (and you can make cookies lol)

[@TheSlantedLens]

I like the "lots of cookies" part!

[@jer3006]

This is so good, I had to come back 2 years later and watch it again. Funny, all my gear has changed in that time and this video is even more relevant now than before!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you found it so helpful. Thanks for your comment!

[@unbroken1010]

You waste alot of money

[@crystalballoonstudio]

What is the core difference between a $150 LED light panel（like GVM 1200D）and a $5,000 LED light panel（like Arri Skypanel and Gemini)? Why can their prices vary so much? Are they even using the same LED technology?

[@johnleighdesigns]

great stuff I missed this video and glad I saw it - my 2 flat panel LEDs dont even have barn doors and are not very bright so it was good to see your ideas and approaches - im doing a beer bottle shoot today and I decided to use LED panels for it instead of flash and seeing this video has added a few techniques I want to try as well!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you found it useful for your shoot! Good luck!

[@augustineeunice1874]

I was struggling with the light reflection this evening And now I stumbled on this video But I don't have the hit back silver board

[@moonthink8288]

I just use umbrellas with them. They're cheap and very soft, and I was able to find some tilting umbrella holder thingies (technical term) that fit on the end of a light stand and will hold an umbrella as well as the light. It is a little dim, but I usually use them as fill anyway.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great approach. Thanks for sharing!

[@tpe4ever]

Same here, and you can use all kinds of umbrellas for this. Shoot through, silver/white reflective, etc. They don't allow much prevention of light spill but otherwise it works.

[@LadyJaneG]

can you share what you used for the holders ? I'm interested.

[@gurjantm]

​@LadyJaneG 'H Mount Swivel Bracket' will mount onto light stand, have a hole with thumb screw to insert umbrella and screw stand on top for your led light.

[@neloukeramati]

Beyond appreciate this video, thank you!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@vanzetti7]

Thanks heaps - I think the biggest thing here is to invest in a dummy so you can practice.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Or have a really patient friend!

[@parrisani]

Thank you for this video! I’ve been scouring KZbin for a video that could aid me with my self tape lighting. After hours of searching your video solved my problem. I was able to get rid of all of the shadows and create a great dramatic lighting setup. Thank you again!!!

[@TheSlantedLens]

So glad you were able to solve your lighting. Happy to help!

[@bachahussain6080]

Sir please tell me about lumix s5 vs sony a7s3 camera

[@TheSlantedLens]

Possible lesson in the future.

[@LoveHawaii808]

Thank you for the lectures of lighting! It was very helpful for beginner contests creator like me :)

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad it was helpful to you. Thanks for your comment!

[@WorldMusicStageRecords]

Excellent video. Used the techniques today to improve our video production. BTW, can you tell me where you purchased the mannequin head. Would be great to additional techniques. Thanks.

[@TheSlantedLens]

You can get it on Amazon! amzn.to/2Oq7Lm2

[@WorldMusicStageRecords]

@@TheSlantedLens Thanks

[@edmoss2020]

Great job on this ,explained very well...thanks

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for the compliment and thanks for watching!

[@melaniegriesemer]

Love this! Thank you for sharing these creative ideas because I’ve had these style lights for so long and rarely use them, but now I’m inspired to knowing these tips!

[@wellwhatthen10101]

So happy you made this video JP, As it confirms my opinion that LED lights are not in the same ballpark as the great Xenon tube .When you take into account the price of some of the LED lights like the Titan X1 and then it still needs a flash built in to achieve the same result of a cheap monolight. Yes they do well for video and that is how i see them and for product photography. A white ceiling is not always available to , hard to get any good light mods for the most of them, they just have not got the power or quality unless you spend very big bucks. Well done JP

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thank you and thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@M.Montgomery]

LED panels (consumer level) are a waste of money. My best decision was returning both panels and investing in a proper LED light for video and proper strobes and speedlights for my photography. You can always modify a harch, bright light to be dimmer, softer etc. but it does not work the other way around.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good points. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@Pranksnigeria]

Sir You The Best Teacher on KZbin

[@TheSlantedLens]

Wow, thank you very much! You made my week!

[@unbroken1010]

That is subjective 😂

[@tonyarnold9784]

Fill in isn't mentioned....mmmn

[@oracioadjovi1205]

Great Video !!! Thank you SIR

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@StephenRansom]

Unrelated question... I am just ordering a mannequin head. How do they attach to a typical light stand? Is there a specific adapter I should also buy? I see a lot of head clamps and dedicated tripods that come with mounts, but I just want to adapt it to fit on one of my existing light stands on a baby pin. I can't seem to find the answer to my question elsewhere.

[@jer3006]

LOL, I just asked that question at Amazon on one of the $49 model heads' page (the $15-$35 heads have spotty ratings). Anyway, I'll let you know the answer. The head comes with that C-clamp/stand but one of the pics does show it on a light stand. There are also 2 light stands shown for $20 that are made for the head. Like you, I just need the adapter.

[@StephenRansom]

@@jer3006 I think I have an idea. Search for baby pin wall plate. I suspect you could mount the mannequin head to it.

[@jer3006]

@@StephenRansom Good idea, the $7 one by Camvate with the female thread adapter on it looks good. Most of them are priced higher and it makes the $20 custom tripod look better. 😄 Same thing happened to me when I was looking at tethering (laptop) tables-ended up just buying the one with a tripod. Surprise, the tripod was more solid than my light stands. Came out "ahead" that time. Pun intended. 🤣

[@StephenRansom]

@@jer3006 bought the Impact 3" Baby Pin Wall Plate from B&H. $10

[@jer3006]

@@StephenRansom Thanks for the follow-up, I'll check it out. @Jay P: Apologies for the side-talk on your great video.

[@AmazingKevinWClark]

It's a lot of fun to play with light and construct an image.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Totally agree. So many possibilities!

[@bme7491]

I push my continuous LED lights through 45" umbrellas....good for group portraits.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing that tip!

[@MikeKleinsteuber]

Bounce it off some white poly. Much better

[@TheSlantedLens]

That's another idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@kirillch]

Thanks a lot. 🧡May I ask you. What would you choose - a LED panel or a flexible led panel in the following conditions: I teach students online and would like a key light to light me (half body) and my computer space throughout a day. My variants that I like: Godox LED500C or Godox FL100 (with a softbox and grid 40x60cm). For led500c I also can go with a large diffusor you shown.

[@TheSlantedLens]

I would go with what will work in the space you are working in and what will be the easiest and most affordable to modify. Flexible LEDs can be difficult to modify.

[@easypeasyabcsy7883]

LED panels are so dim, diffusion or reflection from the ceiling makes the scene too dark, unfortunately. I have to set ISO to more than 1200 and use the lens open. I wish industrial flood light has better CRI... Thank you for the review!

[@TheSlantedLens]

I guess it depends on the intensity of the light.

[@TheNiteinjail]

That's funny I completely woulda missed the parchment paper diffusion... So old school I would be thinking of heat... But these panels don't get that hot. Hehe

[@TheSlantedLens]

Very true, they don't get too hot.

[@andreak4280]

👍🏼👍🏼💓 thank you!! got some good lighting ‘hows’ for multiple options w/panels led’s appreciated!! 🙏🏼

[@TheSlantedLens]

You're welcome! Glad you found it helpful!

[@JustinWoo]

When did JP Morgan get silver fox hot? How did I miss that? Keep the beard and the white hair bro, it is DOING WORK for you.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks Justin! And thanks for watching!

[@ibizaamigos]

What a fantastic video. Great work this has helped me a lot! I have just bought the neewer 660 rgb waiting on them arriving tomorrow. I host a chat show called Ibiza Amigos and I'm new to lighting so this video is very helpful! I didn't know about the aiming the light upwards to the ceiling and moving it around could change the lighting so dramatically and it looks great and also just one light! My purchase is 3 of those neewer led lights so I'm sure I can find some great setup with it. Fingers crossed! I have just subscribed to your channel. If you are ever in Ibiza let me know :)

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you found it so helpful. Enjoy your lights!

[@unbroken1010]

Accessories make lighting, always has, always will

[@TheSlantedLens]

Very true. You have to be able to modify the light.

[@unbroken1010]

@@TheSlantedLens that's the fun part to me

[@KennyParsley]

I came here looking for kitchen light install tips--but now I think I wanna be a videographer

[@TheSlantedLens]

LOL. Good luck with your new career choice!

[@UP9390]

Could you do a video of these lights outdoors? People that use speedlights for night photography outdoors would be interested in seeing how well this stuff can be used outdoors.

[@TheSlantedLens]

These light panels don't compete with the sun, but if you are shooting at night it will work like shooting in a dark studio. Same principles apply.

[@colinmorris2604]

Great video have very old rossco lights no barn doors have you ever made any? also, they claim as their LEDs are at pointing into the light it's softer?

[@TheSlantedLens]

You could use flags on the sides like barn doors.

[@infringinator]

now that I've looked at her the past 10 minutes I wonder.....Is she single??

[@TheSlantedLens]

LOL! You can get her twin on Amazon! amzn.to/2Oq7Lm2

[@bachahussain6080]

Great tips sir thank you love from Pakistan ❤️❤️ 👍👍💯

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@nanogonzalezdj3388]

Like deserved dear man.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for watching and keep on clickin!

[@eyeslikeoceans]

Where can I get a mannequinn head on a stick like that? I always record alone so it would save me a ton of time.

[@TheSlantedLens]

We bought it on Amazon: amzn.to/3vn4DJu

[@elitpena]

Learned a lot from you!! Thank you for the tip on the parchment paper!!!

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@moonschild7272]

Nice and helpful tips! This video is about the LED light panel, so maybe listing the one that was used or at least an equivalent in the GEAR USED section would be useful.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Light Panel used is an Aputure Light Panel that is no longer made. Closest light today is the Aputure NOVA P300c: bhpho.to/3hjtk5P

[@curare122]

What is the panel lights used here? I couldn’t find it within the description.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Those are older Aputure light panels that are not made any more.

[@webgraphr718]

Great tips here and very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@thedonleeboy]

Very Helpful video. Thanks

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@scottnathanphoto]

You're very talented. Thank you.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate that!

[@smaruzzi]

Thanks. What about a white umbrella? Stefano

[@TheSlantedLens]

The light doesn't have an attachment for using an umbrella. You could try using a goose neck that holds an umbrella and try to adapt those to work together.

[@str1897]

Very pleasant video to see, especially to someone who's pretty new to the lighting stuff. You gave an incredible amount of tips and ideas in a just a few minutes

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great to hear. Good luck with your lighting.

[@2Mohammad2]

I don't know why will make me blind 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheSlantedLens]

The diffusion really helps with too much harsh light!

[@sixlitrehair]

Thank you for tips, perfect

[@TheSlantedLens]

You're so welcome! Glad you found it worthwhile!

[@bobbyporch3]

This was excellent. Thank you Sir.

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jer3006]

Great suggestions for using a barn-door LED panel. Thank you!

[@TheSlantedLens]

You bet! Glad you found it helpful!

[@Albin_Evald]

so the before/after comparison at 1:46 is just fake since you've darkened the picture from what was shown earlier at 0:21 ?

[@TheSlantedLens]

If you look closer those are two different lighting set-ups at 0:21 and at 1:46.

[@Albin_Evald]

@@TheSlantedLens they look pretty much the same to me, but what do I know

[@qualitymilk]

Good tips! Usually take a through-umbrella to save a stand

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@soundallure]

Great video! I learned so much, thank you!

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are so welcome! Glad you learned a lot!

[@tibfox]

U simply need more Lightstands ^^

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yeah, I have them. Just demonstrating quickly with hand holding.

[@alphafilms_at]

great video

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the visit!

[@zed2960]

Before and after (using paper) practically looks the same 🤔🙄

[@TheSlantedLens]

It softens up the shadow transitions.

[@zed2960]

@@TheSlantedLens yeah in theory, but in your comparative footage, it wasn't that obvious. I am referring to the first test where you placed the paper over the led lights. I guess because the light source didn't change size, so nothing much happened. In your later setups the difference was more dramatic 👍

[@SinaFarhat]

Great information! Thanks for sharing! :)

[@TheSlantedLens]

My pleasure! Glad you found it worthwhile!

[@notallaboutmeministry3285]

I was thinking the same thing. Softening the light.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yeah, that is the key, to soften the light!

[@yeohszehow]

thank you very much for the tutorial...

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@Pikmeir]

What stand is the light on?

[@TheSlantedLens]

That is an old Photoflex stand. They are not made anymore. Kupo is a good brand: bhpho.to/3dEDk49

[@wortex36]

nice ! this is awesome tips :) thanks

[@TheSlantedLens]

No problem! Glad you found it helpful!

[@PardonMyQuilt]

Omg you're a genius! lol

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for watching and for your comment!

[@creatorsjourney6286]

Great tips! Great job as always

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks so much! Thanks for your comment!

[@paradymbeats2143]

thanks bro

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@paradymbeats2143]

much and appreciation, I just got my sony a7s ii to do my marketing and music videos, and the setup is pretty expensive with rig and all, so for lighting option, I got the 3 GVM reg led , so I will be using this technique

[@VinnieCamilleriMusic]

Great tips, thanks.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@ruihe6769]

So true! Thank you

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are so welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@afa257]

Very useful channel!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching!

[@alennnn4948]

Great tip 😍🙏🙏🙏

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching!

[@arturbukatar4532]

Great tips

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@lamasteve6905]

Some are strobing too !

[@lamasteve6905]

RGB color lights even make it more intriguing !

[@TheSlantedLens]

If they are cheap they pulse. These don't do that.

[@lamasteve6905]

@@TheSlantedLens We have never had such a great choice on lighting, tools, video, and camera's ! A great time to be a photographer !

[@AmazingKevinWClark]

One important note you could have added for this video is that if you're going to bounce the panels off the ceiling like that than have the ambient light on dimmers so you can adjust the brightness to match the rest of the scene. However this may not always be possible if you have no control over the shooting location.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good point. Thanks for watching!

[@unbroken1010]

Kind of a given. Don't be a sagger lover

[@fa1nt329]

useful af ty

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you found it useful! Thanks for watching!

[@onthetoiletnow]

Better than film school!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thank you! Glad you found it worthwhile!