This year we’re very fortunate to have Harlowe on board as a major sponsor of the IWPOTY Awards. We have a stack of boxes here, that we’ll be sending out as a significant part of this years prize pool. Harlowe (formerly Hobolite) create a range of portable LED continuous lighting solutions for photography and video. And to say they’re beautiful is an understatement. They’re works of art.
I don’t (yet) own an Harlowe lights, but I have had a chance to play with a range of these recently though, and there’s much to love about these lights.
They’re extremely well made, super portable, can be controlled individually via a very easy to use App, provide quick access control of
power output and colour accuracy and I think my favourite feature is the ease with which you can snap
on the barn doors, a snoot or creative gels to shape or colour your light.
So, when and why would you decide to use LED lights at your wedding or elopement, and when would you choose an LED over a strobe Flash?
Well, lets chat more about that..
How to Choose the Best Lights for Wedding Photography or Elopements
Choosing the right type of lights can make a significant difference in your final images. Both continuous LED light and strobe lighting have their unique advantages, and knowing when to use each of these can greatly elevate your work.
Image by Van Middleton
Image by Ben Lane
What is Continuous Light ?
Continuous light refers to a lighting source that stays on and emits a steady stream of light, unlike flash or strobe lights which produce brief, intense bursts. This constant illumination allows photographers to see exactly how light interacts with their subjects in real-time, offering constant lighting throughout the shoot. Continuous lighting is ideal for wedding day details, the first dances and the portrait sessions, and any scenario requiring precise control over lighting.
Choosing Continuous Lighting
1. Real-Time Adjustments
Continuous light offers the benefit of seeing exactly how your scene is illuminated in real-time. This makes it an excellent choice for weddings where you need to fine-tune lighting on the spot. They’re great for your reception table setups and flat-lays of wedding day details. The ability to see immediate changes in shadows and highlights allows you to really tweak things to your liking. Also constant LED lights are an excellent option if you are looking to include some additional lighting design to the first dance or dance floor, be that to backlight the couple of separate them from the background with some side lighting. Using barn doors, a snoot or the lens focus adapter you can funnel and shape the light to avoid light spilling away from the subject of your image.
2. Versatility Across Settings
Continuous LED lighting provides consistent illumination that adapts to various settings. Being able to quickly adjust the White Balance on the light or via the App from across the room continuous light allows you to maintain the natural look of your scenes without the abruptness of strobe flashes.
3. User-Friendly for All Levels
Continuous light is straightforward and easy to use, making it ideal for photographers of all skill levels. Beginners can benefit from the simplicity of setting up and using continuous light without worrying about complex settings or synchronisation issues. A continuous portable LED light  is a valuable addition to any photography lights setup, enhancing the learning experience and final results.
Image by Christoforos Mechanezidis
When to Choose Strobe Lighting
1. High-Intensity Output
Strobe lighting provides powerful bursts of light, which are essential for freezing motion and capturing high-speed subjects. This makes strobes a good choice for sports photography, fast paced action on the dance floor at your weddings or any situation requiring high-intensity illumination where you might also be looking to overpower the sun.
2. Creative Control
Strobes, like LED’s also offer control over light shaping and modification. Photographers who require precise control over their lighting setup, such as in product photography, will find strobes beneficial. The ability to use various modifiers, such as soft-boxes and snoots, allows for creative lighting techniques that highlight details and textures.
3. Efficient Battery Usage
For long shoots, especially on location, strobes can be more efficient with battery usage. Their ability to deliver powerful light bursts while conserving power makes them suitable for extended sessions. A portable lighting kit with strobes can be a practical choice for photographers who need to maximize battery life without compromising on light quality.
 IWPOTY Finalist Aaron Story demonstrating beautifully how speed-lights aka strobe freezes motion and with a small aperture (f11-22) creates a ‘star like’ flash burst
IWPOTY Finalist Patrick Mateer showing how flash freezes the chaos of the champagne bubbles and the bride, which would be lost with a continuous light source
Choosing the Right Lighting for Your Needs
Ultimately, choosing continuous lighting or strobe depends on the specific requirements of your shoot. Continuous light is ideal for situations where real-time adjustments, versatility, and ease of use are paramount. Strobe lighting excels in scenarios demanding high-intensity output, creative control, and efficient battery use.
Whether you opt for a continuous photography light or strobe, having a well-rounded lighting kit ensures you’re prepared to light your story.
Check out previous finalists and winners of Lit! to see how past finalists and winners of the International Wedding Photographers Awards have used additional lighting to elevate their entries in the Awards.
