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How to Photograph With LEDs

The presence of light has always been an important factor in photography. As photography has advanced, changes have occurred in the type of artificial light photographers can use to illuminate their subjects. Light banks filled with LEDs (light emitting diodes) have recently become an option for photographers. The light banks can be small handheld items or larger versions designed for studio photography. LEDs have advantages over other sources of light, in both longevity and in the fact they don't heat up.

Things You'll Need

White card

Instructions

- 1
  Set up your studio for the subject or model you will be photographing. Hang the backdrop and prepare the area for the model or subject.
- 2
  Position the LED light banks the same way you would with normal studio lights, with a main light on one side of the model and a fill light on the opposite. If the LED light banks you are using have the ability to adjust the power output, lower this bank of lights to half the power. If it does not have this feature, move the light bank further away to lessen the intensity.
- 3
  Attach your digital camera to a tripod, turn the camera on and select "Custom" for your white balance setting. Different lights have different temperatures. With digital cameras, you can set the sensor to match the light you are using.
- 4
  Take a picture of a white card. Be sure that the card fills the entire frame and is located in the same position as your subject or model will be. Press "Menu" on the back of your camera and select "Set Custom White Balance." Press the "Set" button when the picture of the white card appears on the LCD screen. You have now set the white balance to match the temperature of the LED light bank.
- 5
  Position your model or subject and begin shooting. LED light banks are a constant source of light and do not require a sync cord or wireless transmitter to function.

Photography