Hey Lykkers! Have you ever seen those eye-catching portraits with dramatic lighting and dreamy colors? One of the secrets behind them is RGB lighting.
With the rise of short videos and advancements in LED technology, RGB lights have become a must-have tool for photographers and videographers. They are portable, easy to use, and can instantly transform the mood of a shot.
Today, we're sharing three creative ways to use RGB lights in portrait photography. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, these techniques will help you add depth, drama, and style to your shots. Let's dive in!
1. Change the Background Color Instantly
Setting up different colored backgrounds can be time-consuming and requires storage space for backdrops. But with RGB lights, we can change the background color instantly without any extra props!
All we need is a plain white or neutral-colored background and an RGB light positioned behind or beside the subject. Simply adjust the color of the light, and voilà! A brand-new background appears in seconds. This not only saves time but also allows us to experiment with different color schemes during the shoot without stopping to swap out backdrops.
Another fun feature of RGB lights is color cycling mode. The lights can gradually shift between colors, creating dynamic and dreamy background effects. In the past, changing a background color meant interrupting the shoot, but now, we can see different options in real-time and capture the best one effortlessly.
2. Use Colored Light Directly on the Subject
Want to make your portraits stand out from the usual lighting setups? Instead of just using RGB lights for the background, we can shine colored light directly on the subject to create unique, artistic effects.
For example, using a deep red light from the side can add a sense of mystery or drama. A soft blue light on the face can create a futuristic or moody vibe. The key here is to experiment—try different angles and intensities to see what works best for the subject's features and the overall theme of the shoot.
This technique helps us break away from traditional lighting styles and gives our portraits a cinematic, editorial feel. It's also a great way to express emotions through colors. Warm tones like orange and yellow can create a cozy, intimate mood, while cool tones like blue and purple can give a dreamy or mysterious atmosphere.
3. Incorporate RGB Lights as Part of the Scene
Instead of keeping lights hidden behind the camera, why not make them part of the composition? This technique works especially well for storytelling photography or futuristic-themed shoots.
By placing an RGB light within the frame, we can create a more immersive and visually interesting scene. For example, if we're shooting in a cyberpunk-style setting, we can place a glowing neon RGB light stick beside the subject to enhance the atmosphere. The light itself becomes a design element, helping guide the viewer's eye through the image.
This also gives a sense of realism and depth—when the light source is visible, the audience can understand where the colors are coming from, making the image feel more intentional and connected.
Experiment and Find Your Own Style
Lykkers, the best way to get comfortable with RGB lighting is to experiment. There's no single right way to use these lights, so feel free to try different color combinations, angles, and intensities to create your unique photography style.
Maybe a red glow from the left adds mystery, or a blue wash over the face gives a futuristic look. Maybe mixing white and colored light gives the perfect balance. The more we experiment, the better we'll understand how lighting transforms a portrait.
Do you use RGB lights in your photography? Have you tried any of these techniques? Let's share ideas in the comments below!
