PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BATTLE: Flash vs LED lighting. Which is better?

[@aaronbushue4958]

As a self taught beginner, I just find LED easier to see a glimpse of the final result before taking the shot, which is helpful during the learning process. Thanks for the video. Very informative.

[@Rachaelann59]

I love the GMV LED light!

[@afterdarc]

Because of you, I have a full set of both lol. Now I just need a studio. 😒

[@stephengatley8144]

Planet Earth is a pretty great studio...

[@Nostaljikone]

Ahh, details. It's fine.

[@NileSWPhotography]

Bro your videos have come such a long way since 2016 man. So happy to say I'm inspired by your stuff. You've given me the confidence to try recording these kinds of videos! Keep going dude!

[@Blackriver69]

As a long time portrait photographer that always works part time at a camera store I have to do this talk with people all the time... and their hard earned money is in the balance. I didn't see a single flaw in your breakdown. I personally use both fairly equally depending on the situation and largely the same ways you explained. I don't know if you mentioned it... maybe I missed it but flash does tend to let you stay at base ISO more often which can be a benefit to outweigh the convenience of LED. Great breakdown.

[@ChadCelestres]

Dude, your channel has come so far.... Its so cool to see it take off over the last 5 years I've been here.

[@kirkdarling4120]

For a lot of photographers, "portraits" include couples, families, fidgety children, and even more fidgety dogs. And the intended products include 30x40 wall portraits. The need is for broad light, small apertures, motion stopping, and high image quality without blinding the subjects, all simultaneously. LED isn't there yet.

[@jasoncarmony695]

I think both have their place! I too like to use the strobe on location because the LED just cannot give the same power as a strobe currently can. However, for low light scenarios, night shooting, dark studios...I think LED can be easier and more fun.

[@Hail_Sagan]

This is basically how I feel as well.

[@kennethw113]

This

[@alexis9200]

As a model, I prefer flash with model light on. The LED, if you want to freeze everything, need to be very strong and it hurt my eyes/it's sometimes too hot especially in a hot studio. But I agree the setup is half the time it takes with flash. So if your shoot is usually 1h, LED is better. If your shoot in more than 1h, use flash.

[@ZarliWin]

Yep. first couple times i used really bright LEDs, i had to warn the models, not to look directly at the light.

[@dominicpascal5512]

There are LEDs that have flash function like Rotolight. It combines best of both worlds. You can use low power mode for setup of the light situation and flash burst for powerful output. LEDs fire so quick, the flash is almost not noticeable. Great for not blinding, being unobtrusive at events, and not scaring animals. Downside: they are very expensive and still not nearly as powerful as regular flash.

[@maxwelljacobfreedom]

A "model" 🙄

[@DaBlueMonster]

Been watching you for years Manny.. If I may be so bold, you’ve mastered the art of KZbin production. It’s no small feat to be able to speak to a camera and accomplish your body of work that is without a doubt, professional and constantly interesting. You’ve overcome all those inner demons that live inside 99.9% of humans, and you’ve persevered. Passion, personality, curiosity and intellect have paved your way. Can’t wait to see what vibrant NYC brings to your lens in 2022. 💯🏆🥂👍🏻

[@RomboutVersluijs]

Crazy badass light setups and beautiful models?!?! What does a photographer want more. Stunning quality man!

[@GainesvilleKen]

Thank you, Manny, for bringing a clear, incisive thought process to the question of continuous vs strobe! Like many other photographers who learned with strobe but yearn to create classic style portraits, I haven't been able to work through the pros/cons, strengths/challenges of the new generation of LEDs. But this video has brought everything together for me! What a breath of fresh air amid all the smog of youtube vids!

[@lIREADYIl]

"I hope you have a lovely day" 😂😂😂 I had to watch like 8 ads just to watch it again and again best outro ever 😂 that's why I always watch till the very end

[@Sr7Sr7Sr7]

Would love to see you do a “my on-location current gear setup” video explaining what you use and why (what you came from and why you use these today with all your experience). Separate similar video could be done for main in-studio clutch gear.

[@jkaye87]

You’ve really stepped up your work. I’ve been watching you’re channel a few years and it looks like you’re really doing great things.

[@thejeetay]

Indoors in controlled ambient lighting, leds are just so cool and produce remarkable result. The way strobes produce well in sun is the same way leds work seamlessly with the ambience in enclosed spaces and night time. I believe photographers should familiarize themselves with the usefulness of both in various situations and know what to apply for every project

[@PurposedLensPhotoMedia]

I can't say one is BETTER than the other! As you beautifully illustrated, each has their own purpose, conveniences, pros and cons. I will say however (in my opinion) if one is NOT using flash, they should learn it! Flash is another photography tool that adds another creative dimension to your photography! Lastly, I think using both flash and led is a great way to come up with new styles, looks and creative concepts. We have access to SOOOO much nowadays that I almost think that it can kill creativity and we get caught up in what gear is better or worse instead of what's creative. Great video! Keep up the great work! 👍

[@bdc123ful]

I find myself using a mixture of both at the same time lately, LED to add colored accents and then flash for highlights/shadows etc

[@herlingadventures]

thats sounds super interesting

[@ItzSlushie]

Beginner photographer videographer here, even thought i dont own all the equipment you own, the lessions stay the same. Keep up the work Manny

[@garyrodrigues7433]

Flash I prefer. The advantages of using flash are: 1) I can use a lower ISO. That will help in dynamic range, if needed. 2) With the battery powered strobes, the portability is great and you have power (I.e. Godox AD400 Pro or AD600 Pro for example). With LED, I would need V batteries (as you mentioned) or a Honda generator to power them when outside. 3) Freezing action and stepping down the aperture.

[@upgradecreate]

Another great, informative video. My opinion is that I use flash when I need to use fill light with the sun, or overpower a sunset. I like to use LED when the sun sets, for night shots, or low light situations. In the studio we use both, depending on the style. Especially for the RGB aspect.

[@melankaya]

Which RGB LED light do you use? Any recommendations?

[@arielhernandez6560]

For me, choosing between the two depends mostly on budget. On a low budget, I’d consider getting a flash first because even something as tiny and affordable as a speedlite can give you even more output than a high-end LED. However, on a more flexible budget, I would probably get both for more creative potential, such as “light painting” or projector photography in a studio setting. Both can yield great results though, especially with the stellar low-light performance of today’s cameras.

[@massimilianoantonelli5585]

Manny, sei un grande fotografo e mi piace come spieghi le cose. Continua così...

[@p.VAZ.]

Keep continuing to produce!!! Really appreciate what you have to say and put out!!!

[@stitchthroughlife]

I love a combination of the too for greater effect possibilities

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Flash is king! The reason. Because. 😂📸

[@upgradecreate]

For daytime sunny shoots or most studio situations, I agree. So basically I 100% agree 50% of the time 🙂

[@gonzaloleviatanh]

Can you mix them?

[@upgradecreate]

@@gonzaloleviatanh Technically yes, although in most cases the flash will overpower the LED. Additionally, you will usually drop the ambient light to a point where any light advantage from the LED will be dimmed out.

[@wendystumbaugh695]

Or, as my mother would say, “Just because.” Lol

[@papsny]

@@gonzaloleviatanh yup, miguel quiles has a video about it. The led light is used to control the pupils.

[@weableman]

I've been using flash from the beginning, but I am looking to add LED to incorporate more creative options easily. There are so many options out there and it can be a bit overwhelming. Your video simplifies it nicely. Thanks Manny!

[@melankaya]

Thats where I'm at right now! How did your journey go, Scott, one year since your comment... would love if you could share some feedback.

[@sogron007]

The one that works for you, the one that helps you get the best image possible for your style of shooting.

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Awesome video Manny. If I had a studio, I think I would definitely have LEDs but I totally agree with you that the flash is super versatile, because you can use it in the sunlight and indoors. I love using my LED light bar but only during low light situations. Other than that, lighting is the KEY

[@manuelgaetan]

Yep I agree with Manny Ortiz. I use only flash for outdoor photography and since I do NOT have any dark rooms I also use flash indoors. I only use stay on lights for video taping.

[@sammy_sam_leonardo]

I don’t have enough knowledge or experience to agree or disagree, but I trust your explanation because your results are always on point! I will say though that I love a creative shots that can be achieved with LEDs… Just about to buy my first LEDs for my product photography 🙌🏼

[@BearRara]

Nice lay out of both !

[@erlvng]

I'm feeling your work. I like that studio!!!!

[@memorjaliza1347]

I watched it for the learning content. I promise.

[@MrJupton1]

Manny, good questions! and thats what i think it boils dwn to. What lighting set up fits the best for that particular job and look you want to portray. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages/ Choose the right "tool" for the job!

[@BerlsMcSquirrels]

Hard to take a bad picture with these 🔥models!!!

[@LangstoniusRex]

I like the crispness of flash, but constant light helps a lot because Im a hybrid shooter and running 2 set of lighting systems eats studio time.

[@BENJAMIN_NL]

he delivers DOOOPE content, but daaaaaaamn the models

[@cd8815]

I know dude wtf, I can hardly concentrate

[@EdwardYusupov]

So beautiful model! 😍

[@CarlosReguse]

Very good video dude..! I am an beginner amateur and I fully agree with your choices and arguments.. It sounds logic and match my experience. Your videos are really good because you go directly to the point without talking too much about useless things… Keep like that

[@Danialdaneshmand]

Very nice and intuitive comparison great points.

[@lensbrew]

Outro King at it again! 😂

[@trancer03]

Manny that was a great video!

[@IntuitiveDesigns]

let's be honest, some of us here is because of the thumbnail 😅

[@mohamedamiine8907]

You mean everyone?

[@dayeah765caoni3]

Hello fellow gents

[@joshuadelatorre6644]

Nah just you

[@JenR1215]

She has more value than just you looking at her chest.

[@marigoldxoxo]

Nope it's only you

[@josephchan4198]

Something to consider if new to lighting or what a different look. Thanks.

[@pjg1309]

I believe that you explained it perfectly! For me personally I use flash most because that is the style in which I shoot, outside and on the run. Like you said though it is all about using the tools available in the "right" situations. That being said light is king!! Not flash or LED, light is and we have to use it the best way we can and to the best advantage we can!

[@Animus907]

Wow, thanks for the video man. Have a lovely day too.

[@KRE8TVT]

wow thanks for showcasing them

[@sethie_shots]

Love this video. Hope _you_ have a lovely day too Manny 😂

[@ciwanski]

Enjoy your videos as always Manny.

[@semperfidelis981]

Grazie come sempre Manny per i tuoi interessantissimi video. Complimenti e alla prossima.

[@saltmeisterstudios]

I was using flash only but have recently started incorporating more LED and am digging the combination I'm getting. Still very much experimenting and finding my style but love the videos!

[@XtremeLinkProduction]

This is true with LEDs for photography the more affordable lights/budget or majority need to be plugged in..1st time using them the other day at a photo meet and so many ppl tripped over all the wires but it was cool too see how they could enhance your portfolio creatively

[@melankaya]

Loving the edit on this video, bts, you, all of it. So crisp, clean, almost AI like! Do you have a tutorial? Also any recommendations on a RGB LED? I already have a Aputure 300x. Was thinking of the godox sz150r

[@papsny]

As a wedding photographer, I use a Core SWX Bolt 300 when doing shots with a videographer. Cuts the shooting time in half as the photographer and videographer can shoot at the same time.

[@godsakes]

Remember the godox FV series? The LED video that had a flash (overcharge) feature, it was a bit half baked at the time as the max power output was around speedlite level, but I could certainly imagine a version of that product a 2-3 generations later which could combine the best of continuous & flash albeit being a mains powered light (with maybe a option for V-mount batteries)

[@shawnbassplayer]

I'd love to see a video with you using various cheap led lights. You know.... for the guys who don't have the fancy ones yet. :)

[@victordelacruz8440]

I think some CoB lights with XLR plugs support D-Tap or V-mount batteries. Cool that you showed that. For me, it's gotta be versatile with options of AC/DC and V-mount battery.

[@SharifulIslammusic]

I'm here for the thumbnail

[@amermeleitor]

It's simple: flash is a must, led are optional

[@damianbereza6901]

Looking forward to seeing your test of rotolight led system;D

[@michaela8802]

I almost always shoot flash since most of my work is on location. However, I do love to play with LEDs whenever possible because, 1.) I love to experiment with punchy color combinations for more artsy looks, and 2.) that constant light that blinds our models also happens to contract the pupils which exposes all those beautiful colors of the iris…something you don’t typically achieve when using flash.

[@kamikamieu]

Broncolor strobes are king, those juicy flash durations…

[@TheStudio_70]

Should add a poll. Be interested to see the results. Great video!!👍

[@cristirenault]

Nice explanations, Manny! Keep up the good work!

[@diosesplenitud]

Just the information I was looking for 🙏👍👍👍

[@joshuachubbphotography]

As someone who shoots studio and environmental portraits strobes are still the king. I would be interested in seeing a video or just getting your recommendation on good budget friendly led’s to get started!

[@Poppaneedsanap]

loving this channel!

[@i_am_x_wild]

Great vid Manny. Your arguments all make sense. As a novice / part time photographer, flash is confusing to understand at times

[@_Eye_Of_Ry]

When Manny Ortiz spit jewels I sit & listen closely 😎

[@TomidePhotography]

This was a really helpful video

[@TimChuon]

I think they're both very conditional; I used to prefer LEDs because-as you said- you can see your shot prior to hitting the shutter so there's less time fiddling around with settings, but tbh manny...i never liked flash till I saw YOU using them hahah! Then i got the FJ400....and then your beauty dish as well so there's that (which btw is insanely insanely good-using it for a big shoot this weekend!) as a side note and currently in my photography journey, i would say flash has a slight advantage/perks to LEDs. Flash allows you to get a clean shot freezing time, more portable to carry outside, and can shut down outside lighting. Those are already 3 advantages that constant light doesn't have~

[@beatae]

both have their place. In the studio I am working more and more with LED, because I really like the outcome directly. For working with more that 2 lights, it fasten up the process. Outdoor, always flash. The time will come, when the leds have enough power, to use them in sunlight, maybe.

[@jellevanthuyne1984]

I have both but man I’d love those led-lights. There will be a day that led-lights overpower the sun, are portable, and fully rgb controllable. That day, I’ll never look back

[@weswtf]

I 100% agree with everything you said flash out doors or Indoor with ambient light led in dark or for video

[@matthewappleby8272]

I find LED is better for studio like you said, but mostly because it allows you to be more creative in a quicker way with interesting shots that you can get. If you combo light painting and smoke with this it can lead to some banger shots that you just can't get with flash because of all the time it takes to change gels and mess with your lighting setup. If you put LED's on a forward/reversing loop, you can also end up with some amazing lighting patterns that you may never have discovered with only using flash. On the opposite side, I love that flash can freeze moments in low light situations like events or dance photography along with many of the positives you mentioned. Conclusion: they each have their place and I don't think anyone should shy away from either, providing you have the budget and space to have both.

[@anitacorwin4929]

Another excellent video.

[@bigins1985]

The best lighting 🤔 Is like choosing the best lens. It all depends on the situation and project. Natural,strobes,led. If it’s best for the image that’s what you use,

[@romatou18]

Such great video ! I am about to start a new photography project as a professional photographer after many years as in an amateur photographer, I also thought flashes take a lot longer to adjust and I want to do events where I would take a photo of people and print it right away. But just ordinary photos is kind of a bit boring in 2024. I thought I would use RGB to play around and attract people. And actually brands like Neewer, finally since last year I have started doing battery powered continuous RGB lights, under 300 USD each. This is game changing. No I needed a confirmation that you finally gave me thank you so much: get the answer to is it really doable to do nice photos with RGB LEDs. And yes it is especially at night which is exactly what I want to do. Amen @mannyOrtiz ! Thank you so much for saving me hours of searching and wondering and doubting.

[@rixfilms7411]

🔥🔥 content is always fire

[@bmkaya]

Seeing how you use lighting in photography is so interesting. As someone who has no experience with flashes, speedlites, strobes, etc., what would be a beginner option to buy to start practicing? I own a Sony a6400, but have no idea where to even start looking for entering the world of artificial lighting. Thanks and awesome video as usual!!

[@yairweinberg1647]

That will heavily depend on what you shoot and where.

[@waterboy330]

Could we get a video on what equipment specifically you use and how it is set up?

[@ChristianCampo]

thanks very good and helpful insight......I am unnsure which to use and so I only use available light, but I case simply because I am not good at using flash or LED.....but good points in your video.

[@Souchoroukof]

Great video. I personally use LED because to my mind they are cheaper. At least what I have. Maybe int he future I will go to the king of lights "Flash". Thanks for sharing legend

[@Jorda5s]

Flash is the key when it comes to being versatile outdoors and balancing ambient light with the subject. Led is needed in studio to see the subject but i use both in studio to light every person evenly.

[@artemusburton4824]

You should really check out the new Rotolights !!! They do both flash, constant, and change color without gels and some are powerful enough to use during daylight hours with no recycling time!!!

[@dennishumbla5431]

I was going to say the same thing, they are awsome, but I only have the Neo 2 the smalest of them all.

[@artemusburton4824]

@@dennishumbla5431 the new NEO 3 coming out is insane!! It’s as bright as the current Aeos ! And has touch screen like the titan

[@syracuselux1450]

Ditto!

[@dennishumbla5431]

@@artemusburton4824 sounds amazing, wish I could afford It.

[@josephguo6256]

I did use LED lighting all the time for indoor shooting and happy with the results.

[@philipgowdy]

The reasons to use flash over LED is power. For photography in a studio or outside. Now unless your shooting an object i.e. Portraits where wide stops are okay using your f1.4 lenses for blurred backgrounds, sharpness comes with small stops and you will need flash to overpower the Sun. With studio fashion shoots, i.e..full length, garments or advertising still life images you will need F11 down to F32 or even f64 with bigger formats. Using Led lighting will create softness to an image. To achieve these small stops with greater depth of field you have to use longer shutter speeds, allowing many more things to effect and degrade the image required..

[@MrTachy0n]

I get your intensity point on panels but most have battery options so wasnt sure why you seemed to imply they just dont have batteries. I once thought the panel was going to help in sunset time and it didnt make a dent in the scene lol.

[@Robin_Polarstern]

Thank you manny ! I Love led light

[@raymondcheung6995]

I like LED for the color option and able to see exactly what the exposure looks like. But everything else, flash is still KING.

[@rne1223]

Just use what you need for the occasion. If not, then use what you have and make it work.

[@notallaboutmeministry3285]

I like both flash and LEDs for different creative reasons.

[@mikeymileos]

Thanks for the video! It's some good info! I noticed in your photoshoot with the LED, you managed to keep the ISO low, but you had to bring the aperture way down which is fine for the back lit spot light that wouldn't be affected too much by a bokeh but it also can create depth of field issues if your model isn't standing straight up. Is that a sacrifice you have to make with LEDs over brighter flashes? Thanks

[@simonleung9013]

LED for color hands down. Strobes for portability.

[@grasworxTTGameplan]

recently shot some portraits with an Aputure C300d Mark II and we had some older strobes in the bag [2x 300w and a 150w with softboxes] But because of the space we had to shoot, the LED made more sense. But i get what you're saying about LED and light spill...that makes a whole lotta sense. And yeah...v-mount batteries are nutttttz

[@errole]

Love your work man

[@Jeff_H_the_Guitarist]

Another great video! I hate cables running all over the floor. And Murphy's Law says that the perfect light position is always 1 foot more than the length of the light's power cord.

[@Just_Joseph_King]

Cool bro comparison! it’s a pity that I don’t have the opportunity to change my old man canon 600d

[@abysscmj1]

i agree with everything you have just said, you have made it very clear. me i shoot a lot outdoors (sony/nikon) and love to use my elinchrom 500 flash it hits the sweet spot (not too big, just the right amount of power} LED's low light at the moment good job in explaining the two