Which is Better: LED Lights or Studio Flash?

Flash Photography  •  Photography Tips  •  Studio Photography

More and more photographers have started jumping aboard LED train thanks to improved technology. You can now get accurate colors, consistent results, and freedom to adjust the color temperature when using LED lights. Currently, how do LED lights compare against the conventional studio flash? Which one should you use? Professional photographer Karl Taylor outlines the difference between continuous LED lighting and studio flash, and explains which might be better for you:

With continuous LED lights, one major benefit is that it allows you to see exactly what you’re going to get. That’s because the light is not going to change when you press the shutter button. Another advantage is the versatility you get in regard to color temperature. While studio flashes have a fixed color temperature and require gels for alteration, LED lights easily allow you to change colors with the push of a button. And if you’re into videos, continuous lights are what you should be working with.

Despite some of these advantages, many pros in the industry still prefer working with studio flash. Models will suffer from eye fatigue if they work in front of bright continuous light for an extended period. In addition, when it comes to power output, LED lights still don’t match that of a studio flash as Taylor demonstrates in the video. And while you can adjust your shutter speed to cut down on ambient light when working with studio flash, you can’t do this when working with a continuous LED light source. With continuous light, it’s important that you work in a darker environment. Otherwise, your image will be polluted with stray light.

Be sure to watch the entire video as Taylor compares these two popular light sources with supporting examples. This will definitely help you in deciding whether you should go for LED lighting or a studio flash.

What do you prefer to use and why? Let us know in the comments.