Using CONSTANT LIGHT for Studio Portraits! + Aputure Lighting GIVEAWAY!!!

[@NathanElson]

Any of you using constant light for your portrait work? Also don't forget to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on the giveaway!

[@ftbalz]

Been using constant LED light for years for solo model, smaller project work. Usually Light & Motion constant lights. Save the strobes for catalog / print work.

[@saurabh6520]

no i use strobes only I already do subscribe you and i love your videos they are so informative and not only i have learned so much but i use your teachings in my shoots

[@rafaelbarker1]

Subscribed! I use two different brands for constant light: StellaPro Reflex S and Amaran P60C! I also have some smaller Falconeyes F7II's! Would LOVE an Aputure Spot!!!

[@KimSellstedt]

Been shooting with constant light for many years and I love it. The drawback of the heat has been drasticaly reduced with the newer lights. It is very satifying to sculpt and play with the lights before even bringing in the camera. Great video!

[@NathanElson]

Thanks!

[@jaijacobphoto316]

Love to see a comparison shoot between using constant lights vs strobes to see the pros/con for each one.

[@dpjohnjones432]

I’ve always heard the term feathering but I never knew exactly what it was doing. Explaining that it makes a gradation across your subject makes a lot of sense

[@NathanElson]

Awesome! Glad to have helped sort it out for ya.

[@JaapKroon]

I started with continues lighting, than to flash and now returning to continues and natural light. This beast will look good next to my Godox SL60W. Love your work.

[@robertaltman222]

I am now using only constant lighting (I have 1 600W LED and several smaller units...) - that way I can do video with each setup without relighting - def not quite the power of strobes but the flexibility/efficiency was worth it to me.

[@NathanElson]

Ya, more and more sets are utilizing video / stills at the same time so this is getting to be more the standard.

[@andymcgarty3099]

How do models feel about working with constant light. Is there an issue they might start to squint or get fatigued from looking 'at the sun' for a few hours? I've used some LED lights for shoots in a house where we are moving around and I don't want to have to keep metering the flash. Having a light you can put modifiers on is going to be great. Another great video, even with the OTT intro :)

[@NathanElson]

It varies, some are better with it than others. I don't often use hard light though, especially when they have to look into it for long periods, so I don't foresee it being an issue for how I work, but it all depends on your lighting style. Glad you enjoyed the OTT intro ;)

[@SergioRO]

Oh yeah! Another fantastic video Nnathan, and wow. the surprise in the next video sounds crazy. Thanks for this giveaway! Finger crossed!

[@NathanElson]

Thanks! Stay tuned!

[@4KLive]

These 600D are excellent, I have been using them with my Para 222 and 133 since it came out few years ago. Add a couple of their RGB panel you can do any thing with them. They are excellent as fill lights for outdoor sessions. My models just like to use them for selfies with their phone.

[@darkhalo256]

Hey Nathan, what kind of stand are you using (or recommend) for the 600d with the 150 light dome? I do like the one I'm seeing in the video as it looks super sturdy. Thank you!

[@MindyVandeGriend]

Is there a followup video to this? I am so interested!

[@rodolfolirafotografia6630]

We can see in your face that you are really enjoying the new lights!

[@NathanElson]

Yes, yes I am 😉

[@hanshart1413]

1/125 at f4 sound very limiting. What if you want to shoot in f8? Aputure 1200d?

[@NerijusZeknysPhotography]

Yes of course aparture 600 watt light is good. But also its almost 2000$. Your using Godox 600 pro is 700$. That is literaly the whole point of why Photographers uses Strobes vs Constant light. Because for photo you often need a lot of light. And a lot of light from constant source is a waaay pricier than a strobe.

[@NathanElson]

Yes, constant light is definitely more expensive, but with video & stills now often running on the same set at the same time, it's becoming more and more necessary. I wouldn't say cost is the whole point as to why photographers use strobe, but I will get into that in part 2 :)

[@BusterReeko]

$2000 is not a lot compared to a camera or a worthy lens especially when it can be used for bts at these same time

[@GlobalShutterNY]

You can get much more reasonable lights- I love the SmallRig 450 (around $800) - it has a new more efficient COB and meters like the Aputure 600W light!

[@itstaigaofficial]

I literally just purchased the 600D for product photography but didn't think to use for my commercial beauty shoots. After seeing this video I definitely have to give it a try. Beautiful work. Winning a spotlight would definitely come in handy

[@rastakilla718]

I’m interested in seeing that comparison. Nice video.

[@kavanlake871]

I’d love to have one of those! I still use constant lights, especially when it’s someone’s first professional shoot. It sort of eases them into the studio operations. I’ve been checking out Aperture for a while.

[@NathanElson]

Dude, these are so nice. A little on the $$$ side but we’ll worth it if you use them.

[@michaelkennedy1770]

WOW, I love constant light but don't have a light that does that = love seeing more of the iris and overall seeing as you shoot.

[@valeriesorrells]

Just looking into adding constant lighting to my kit... love the results you achieved. It may also be a great option with my clients that are adverse to strobe flashes. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@MinhTravel96]

Great video

[@NathanElson]

I’m not sure what you mean? I didn’t use any SFX, just camera movements and some drop in filters on my lens.

[@MinhTravel96]

@@NathanElson i mean the name of sound effect at the beginning of video

[@roybraym]

So 2 continuous lights was used here. Could this also be possible if it is a flash that is used on the left instead of continuous light as fill?

[@cameralance]

This sort of lighting setup is great when there are multiple shooters, like running a workshop.

[@NathanElson]

A lot of commercial sets are starting to run this way as well so you can shoot video + stills at the same time. Figured it was time to check it out myself 😉

[@Robin_Polarstern]

Hey what color temperature are you using 5600k ? Looks very cold

[@healthid]

I'm wondering about the heat put out by those honking LEDs, especially with the spotlight and the gobos. Also was wondering about the brightness for the models, even feathered, but I see you said it varies by model.

[@NathanElson]

Heat in terms of radiating it towards the model, that is zero. That being said, the spotlight does get hot and you need to let it cool before taking it down.

[@healthid]

@@NathanElson Yeah I was thinking in terms of changing the gobos. :)

[@NeilSnapePhotography]

All the time, rarely use my Broncolor flash. I'd like to see the 600 updated to the new color array of the Aputure recent releases giving a lot better overall color. That is the only thing missing from my current LED COBs>

[@NathanElson]

I imagine it’ll trickle into the lights soon enough.

[@kevinmaccormack9645]

We’ve started using constant lights in our wedding work because we’ve added video to the mix. Think constant lights are gonna become more popular as more clients demand video. As you’ve said with mirrorless I’ve been enjoying the “what you see is what you get” If I had lights these powerful I could really piss off the drunk Uncles 😈

[@NathanElson]

Haha drunk uncle laser.

[@JereKetola]

Lovely lights. Been trying to incorporate a bit of leds (smaller) for some run and gun portraits.

[@NathanElson]

I’m a big fan of them, and ya, if you can make the smaller ones work for you that’s a total win.

[@bala1000mina]

Very useful tips! Thank you so much Nathan for the generous sharing! Good luck man!

[@NathanElson]

Thanks for watching!

[@timkaiser385]

Awesome, constant lightning is definitely the future, much like mirrorless was 5 years ago, only issues is on location usage. Love your work Nathan

[@NathanElson]

Thanks! And yes, a lot of sets are combining photo / video at the same time now, so. even though strobe still needs to be mixed in from time to time, this is a solid option. Correct on the location work though, these lights are beasts and way harder to lug around / power.

[@PROgaming-fm6yu]

A I says hold my coat!

[@Oztubee]

Are there any constant light 600w that are less than 1000 maybe 500 range? To use as main light, for photography, indoor studio

[@NathanElson]

No idea, I don't sell lighting gear.

[@scott7926]

absolutely agree with you on not being able to find a strong enough constant, i own 2 godox SLB 60Ws. just dont cut it ... def been looking at something stronger! great vid mate thank you!

[@NathanElson]

Ya the 60Ws just don't cut it, even 300w is iffy at best. These 600s are awesome as hell.

[@j_my7850]

Hey Nathan, Great video. I am wondering which light you attached to the Aputure Spot? Thanks, can’t wait for part 2.

[@NathanElson]

Thanks! It's another 600d attached to the spot.

[@HederPinto]

Congratulations on the video. Greetings from Brazil! Unfortunately these equipment are very expensive to acquire mainly due to our devalued currency, but the technique taught is of great value, the learning is very valid and I thank you for the willingness to teach! Once again congratulations!

[@RayJustice]

WOW, love the look of constant light

[@RobertRainbow]

Thank you for this, I'm a commercial and fashion photographer and I was about to buy a whole set of Aputure light set. Doing more video and wanting to use these lights for my fashion work as well. FYI, love what you're doing on here.

[@NathanElson]

Awesome. Hope they work out well for you! Love mine.

[@flordr]

Any cheaper alternatives to this light?

[@MrSunamo]

It would be amazing to have one of these lights, especially to replicate a more natural, sunlit look. Great video and model!

[@NathanElson]

Ya. They are awesome.

[@markjohnsonphotography]

Great video. Good timing:) Just started playing with some Aputure lights for stills a couple weeks ago

[@NathanElson]

Awesome, they have really impressed me. Build quality on these 600d lights is insane.

[@HeyQuinton]

Amazing video and congrats on 50K )now almost 55K!) you deserve it - nice new setup fro talking head as well

[@NathanElson]

Thanks Quinton!

[@jl1136]

Just got the 600D definitely could use the spot light mount. Good video as always looking forward to the comparison between the godox ad600 pro.

[@NathanElson]

Nice! Hope to have it out in a couple of weeks.

[@000dreamweaver]

would it also have been possible to mount the spotlight on an Aperture 300 or would it have been too weak in that case?🤔and of course an nice video :)

[@NathanElson]

You can definitely mount the spotlight on an Aputure 300.

[@HungPham-ih1gc]

Usefull video with me now, i really love Studio Portraits with that style ! Thanks you for sharing

[@NathanElson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertotapia7848]

Great video, love the technique to make the shadows more realistic 👌

[@NathanElson]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@annaakimova9680]

Always useful tips and light ideas!!! Would love to win one of these and play with them!

[@rickmagnell]

Awesome, I was playing around with some of my tungsten spotlights last week with a client. BUT they are HOT, I'm slowly collecting Aputure gear. I've really enjoying all their products so far.

[@NathanElson]

Ya, the fact that a lot of light is moving to LED has been awesome, because the heat would be an issue for a non-LED light with a similar lumen output. Aputure makes some solid gear for sure, and if you ever get a chance to check out the 600d I can't recommend it enough. I'm not much of a gear head, but these things are sexy :)

[@IAmTeko]

Wow!! So clean!!

[@Hjettis]

Awesome, I have a couple of Godox lights and would have been fantastic with some constant light as well.

[@NathanElson]

Take a hard look at the 600d. Most impressive constant light I have ever used.

[@Blackmind0]

I never used to take constant light, because i used one once, but the models going blind and other hand the light is not strong enough. Why should the 600d do better? greets BM

[@NathanElson]

Bump up your ISO, and lower your light power if the model is having problems with the light.

[@EdwardKilner]

Impressive opening, well done. The remainder of the video was also excellent. Those Aputure units have really top notch industrial design! Gorgeous. I’d never be comfortable spending the money. No studio available to me that would allow proper use of such big gear. You don’t have that problem! Loved the projector. Also, your model looked familiar, I think we have seen her before. She would be welcomed in any studio.

[@NathanElson]

She's been in a video before, she's awesome, and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@YorkBryan1]

Nathan, My question is 600w+ is great for large areas or big studios. However, if I am shooting in a small area or apartment how many watts do I really need?

[@NathanElson]

It's not about the size of the studio, but the light output needed. So regardless of the size of the space, it depends on how much DOF and how fast you want your shutter speed to be. So a 600 might be what you need even in a small space if your portrait requirements need that much light.

[@YorkBryan1]

@@NathanElson I appreciate you taking the time to respond and instruct me on that. Very helpful! I shoot fashion and portraits and understand that I would need something powerful like this.

[@jerrym8140]

Beautiful images and looking forward to seeing the next video.

[@NathanElson]

Thanks Jerry!

[@TomOhle1]

Super video (again). Thank you so much for sharing!

[@NathanElson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@earthrokk01]

@Nathan, Get that ISO up to 800. Are you shooting on the D1? You will not see a difference in the results and you'll make it easier to shoot continuous. You can even shoot your strobes at ISO 400 and save your lights a stop of power. I'm sure the models would love a little less light in there eyes. These ISO 100 videos are just nuts...LOL.

[@NathanElson]

Hah ya I just wanted to test the output on these for my first shoot, but I will definitely be upping the ISO in the future 😉

[@earthrokk01]

@@NathanElson The IBIS in cameras today are a gamechanger. Keep up the great work.

[@adambomb8841]

This would be my goal but for now I'm going to rock my ad400!

[@theerow]

good luck on your way to the 100k . I love how the photoshoot just came out good job ! It's new way to the photography lighting and what you did here is super creative and genius

[@NathanElson]

Thanks so much!

[@JohnArcher]

DAMMM WHAT AN INTRO MAN!

[@belindajcaruso]

Oh! yea, Your video looks like a real expensive commercial. I was thinking I need to try to copy that, Amazing! I got side track with the give away at the end.

[@NathanElson]

Thank ya

[@AntonyGomes]

Constant lightning are chaging the game ! I'm currently switching to them too Thanks again for the video

[@NathanElson]

Thanks for watching!

[@PROgaming-fm6yu]

not really! they're getting way better but he was still at only f4 1/125 at full power. Creative uses for sure but Ai is changing the game not constant lighting.

[@cubul32]

@Nathan in which city is that studio and how much does it cost to rent/buy? It's a live in studio right?

[@NathanElson]

It's in Calgary, AB, no it's not a live in studio, just a large photo studio.

[@cubul32]

@@NathanElson and how much is something like that per month? What surface and ceiling height?

[@NathanElson]

@@cubul32 it depends pn where you live and the market value in that city. Right now, to lease a space like this in Calgary is between $3000 - $6000 per month depending on the area and how much build out it would need. I've talked to people in Vanvouver that pay $10,000 per month for a space that is half the size of this studio. So it all varies on where you live and what is available. As for buying a space, again, totally depends on where you live, and when you bought it. Ceiling height is 24 feet.

[@cubul32]

@@NathanElson yeah, got it, thanks

[@NickDelDuca]

I've done a few shoots with the Aputure 200X and it works but you end up shooting at 400-800 ISO. Sounds like the 600D is quite a bit more powerful. I see you are using Capture One, have you tried wireless tethering? it's been a gamechanger for me in the studio.

[@NathanElson]

I've never tethered wirelessly, but I could see its benefits for some things for sure. And ya, the 600d is like walking around with the sun :)

[@robertaltman222]

I was using a 200W LED - just upped to a SmallRig 450D (actually a 600W equivalent) - def nice having that 'firepower' . Honestly today's cameras are so good at ISO 1200 that even with the dimmer lights I was generating lots of great content and editorials. I usually add grain and decrease my sharpening to get away for the ultra-crisp digital look - so the higher ISO actually worked fine with that vibe...

[@NathanElson]

Smallrig had reached out about sending me some lighting but I didn’t take them up on it as I don’t want 6 different kinds of lights 😉 you’re happy with them though?

[@robertaltman222]

@@NathanElson I have been very happy with the SmallRig 450D - technically 450 Watt power draw- but light output (bare LED - not confounded by the hyper-reflector) is equivalent to both the Aputure and Godox 600W lights! (They have some new technology on the COB that reflects more light forward to improve efficiency). The advantage there is a smaller power 'brick'. I also was able to purchase the light for $750 (a brief promotion on Amazon -gone now) which was a great deal for a 600W light...

[@pinghungwong9732]

大圍填田 多謝解釋 假設我用 50 格拍，剪片果陣 timeline 用返 24 格，請問片會唔會冇拍 24 格咁順？ Ans:會窒下窒下, thx thx

[@AnatolyBoev]

Очень хорошо! Спасибо за ролик)

[@respondinlove4875]

Great tips. Ty for this vid. Helped me a lot. 🎉

[@foggymossstudio]

Great work!

[@darrenleigh201]

Great video! Loved the images. Thanks for sharing!👍

[@NathanElson]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@deemvest]

Wow! Amasing pics!

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

Any reason why you like deep octas so much?

[@NathanElson]

The light out of them is gorgeous. Just one of those things where when you find something you like, why mess with it?

[@waynosfotos]

Did you find the model had light fatigue?

[@NathanElson]

No we only shot for about an hour included the change in light setup. Wasn’t like she was on set all day or any thing.

[@matlynwood6225]

You are making amazing videos and photos, I would love to come see your workflow and maybe pick up some tips and tricks. If you think this could work I can just jump on hwy 2 and be there in a couple hours from Edmonton. I’m moving indoors and having to try a new genre as my back and hands are giving out and Wildlife photography is coming to a sad end. It’s sad when arthritis kicks in and attacks your spine and all the doctors tell me I am non surgical because of my heart. Let me know and if it doesn’t fit in to your schedule, maybe a coffee next time I’m in Banff which is often this summer to get a few shoots in for my last hurrah and time to build my studio. Again thanks for the great videos I have learned a lot so far and look forward to watching more. Matthew

[@NathanElson]

I have two workshops coming up in Calgary. May 6 and May 13. You can learn all I know at either of those 😉 www.nathanelson.com/yyc-lighting-workshop

[@philipcapicio7052]

Wowww these are amazing!!!

[@NathanElson]

Thanks!

[@diegoeidelman]

62.187 lumens! Wow Nathan ... It's a portable Sun 😮 I use a couple of modest 4.500 and 4.000 lumens for small videos Thanks for showing the examples with that gorgeous model!

[@NathanElson]

Hah ya, it's a lot of light, I'm a fan no doubt. Thanks for watching!

[@ekphotography]

I have not used flash in years since I got good powerful LED lights. Being a photographer and filmmaker on the same shoot, it is just necessary...

[@NathanElson]

Ya it really allows for some more flexibility in that regard.

[@Der_Marc]

Great photos and nice Video Nathan, i like the dress from the Model a lot. For me the photos looks almost perfect without your editing. Marc

[@NathanElson]

Get it right in camera and the rest is easy ;)

[@errole]

Why not get the bicolor

[@TEMTECKPHOTOGRAPHY]

Wow!

[@zizphotographie1244]

I so want one of the Aputure in my creation and experience more stuff. but i love your videos keep it up 😊❤

[@NathanElson]

Thank you kindly, and yes, the Aputure gear is awesome.

[@malauzier]

Great video! Thank You!

[@NathanElson]

Glad you liked it!

[@aliilboudo4706]

I like everything about this video, thank you mate🙏🏿

[@NathanElson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@christianvyamungu4706]

lovely clean shots

[@NathanElson]

Thank ya

[@estudiolucesdelcueto6]

Me gusta tu trabajo...aprendo bastante contigo...

[@NathanElson]

Gracias

[@Mphonik2013]

Without cheating and looking what others write below I will give my opinion. First as a guy who messed with LEDs as a kid when they were only used on circuit board to identify something being switched on or off. Then being one of the first groups of people to get a LED flash light when they were know a pen lights. Then being one of the guys to ask Bowens why they were still using Halogen modeling lights on their strobes. I am pretty into LED lighting and they have come a long way. I have a Aputure 300 II that I have messed with for both video and photography. Although I have dabbled in video. I am more into photography and was also one of those Dinosaurs jumping from film to a Nikon D1 in 1999. My take is although I love constant light for the WYSWYG and ability to use my camera as I would under sun light at high shutter speeds I feel the lack of output is and will no longer be the primary issue. It used to be you needed that Xenon pulse to get enough light and a LED could not produce that. We are heading into the days where a LED might exceed a Xenon pulse. But for living subjects constant light its blinding and in some cases could shut down their pupil to a pin hole. I like LED modeling lights for their intended purpose shoot tethered and then tweak from there, If I was shooting a motion picture than the heck with hot lights I would go full on LED and modify them according to my needs. Whether it be a Fresnel or a softbox of some sort of other modifier I would use LED. LED's still get hot at the source but don't generally melt woman's makeup from across the room like some hot lights. That Aputure is a beast.

[@cremephoto]

fantastic work as always, Nathan! nice constant formula. Profoto guy myself, impressive adaptation

[@NathanElson]

Much appreciated!

[@EricSnissaert]

great video! Thanks!

[@NathanElson]

Glad you liked it!

[@May-May-Sue]

Wow this is brilliant

[@NathanElson]

Thank ya!

[@r14aboomars16]

Awesome ❤

[@AnimeLeech]

I love it 😍

[@bundleofdaisies7523]

did you already give them away?

[@NathanElson]

No, got side tracked with client work, video coming soon :)

[@krzysztofstaszczyszyn9092]

wow it was amazing - I use strobe

[@NathanElson]

I do too. First time with constants. Both have their advantages.

[@xend_dnb]

Can we have a RAW file, or files?

[@NathanElson]

For what purpose?

[@xend_dnb]

@@NathanElson retouching practise without posting😃

[@justcarryonnow]

it's blinding my talent

[@Q80splendor]

i love it

[@belindajcaruso]

I am a subscriber, that's all I have to do? Man I sure hope I win. I have two Aputure 150d - but I sure could use one of those. Wow, what are the odds?

[@NathanElson]

Contest details will come soon!

[@sacbefan]

wow

[@NathanElson]

thanks!

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Great pictures. Personally I think that constant light ruins the models eyes, they often get a squinting look, ore there face looks strange.

[@NathanElson]

Definitely need a model that can handle bright light.

[@joshuachavez8490]

Count me in coach! lol

[@mohaneshphotography]

I need this light 😅😢😢😢

[@cesarebonazza]

Great video

[@NathanElson]

Thanks!

[@julian_sp]

I love this lighting setup and the way the photos turned out. Too bad this is like $2500 worth of gear in lighting alone.

[@mKruter]

In a controlled environment, like your own studio, there is little practical difference between constant lights and strobes. The reason photographers use strobes is because it gives us the ability to overpower other light sources. Doing so with constant lights is far harder to sustain as the amount of power needed to out put that much light is much greater when you're doing it constantly. In your studio you just black out the windows and kill your overheads. Big deal. Try using constant lights in a room filled with windows, or outside on the street. They do it for the movies with $100's of thousands of dollars worth of lighting because that's what it takes. This video does not fairly represent the fight between strobes and constant lights.

[@NathanElson]

This video isn’t meant to compare strobes vs constant lights. That video is still coming, as I said in this video. This was just a video talking about my first experience with them in my studio.

[@piotr.czechowski]

Constant LED light is nice until You need to shoot with f11 or f22 …