Skip to main content Digital Camera World Digital Camera World THE HOME OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY Search Digital Camera World View Profile Accessories Buying Guides The Photography & Video Show Digital Camera Australian Camera Australian ProPhoto Photography Magazines Why subscribe? Issues filled with product reviews, latest updates, expert advice and more Delivered to your Android or IOS device Every issue is packed with photo tips, kit reviews and inspiration From$12View Camera news Camera rumors Photography & Video Show Photo mag deals Cheatsheets Recommended reading Camera Lights Sorry, but this lens isn’t actually for a camera. Are interchangeable lens lights the next big thing in photography? Viltrox K90 RGB Light review: a dual lighting kit that’s a springboard to creative lighting Hello, Mr Blue Sky: how a cheap backdrop gave me a ‘blue-sky thinking’ moment Video Lights Profoto expands its cinema lighting lineup with three new LEDs built for modern filmmakers Video Lights Best video lights: get better lighting for vlogging and filmmaking Want the secret to better photos? Get a camera that makes YOU smile Photography Styles Why I haven’t shot a color photo in two years (and don’t plan to again) Photography Photo Technique I’d choose continuous lighting over flash if I were starting my portrait photography career today – here's why Kalum Carter 18 June 2025 Flash vs continuous lighting is an age-old question, but I think my mind has changed! When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Kalum Carter) After writing about the release of Mark Mann’s new signature LED kit with Harlowe, I found myself revisiting a question I hadn’t asked in years: if I were just starting out in portrait photography today, what kind of lighting would I buy? For most of my career, I’ve worked with strobes. I learned on flash kits, studied the techniques of photographers like Dan Winters and Annie Leibovitz, and built a mental map around shaping light in those terms. That language of modifiers, ratios and sync speeds became second nature. Flash has long been the foundation of portraiture, offering precision, power and that unmistakable studio look. And for some of the greats, flash remains an integral tool, shaping everything from fashion to editorial portraiture. But times change. You may like Sorry, but this lens isn’t actually for a camera. Are interchangeable lens lights the next big thing in photography? Viltrox K90 RGB Light review: a dual lighting kit that’s a springboard to creative lighting Hello, Mr Blue Sky: how a cheap backdrop gave me a ‘blue-sky thinking’ moment The Rotolight Aeos 2 Pro is a perfect example of just how far continuous LED lighting has come (Image credit: Alistair Campbell) The technology behind continuous lighting has advanced at an astonishing rate. What was once reserved for film sets and typically noisy, hot and cumbersome has evolved into powerful, compact, quiet, color-accurate LED systems that rival strobes in quality and control. And the biggest shift? When used in conjunction with mirrorless cameras, what you see is what you get. Continuous lights have a practical side in today's world of content; being able to use the same lights for both photo and video work makes creative life far easier. One setup, one mood, one set of decisions that can carry across formats. I often shoot both stills and motion on the same job, and constant light gives me the flexibility to move seamlessly between the two. But more than that, continuous lighting changes the dynamic in the room. It enables the subject to get comfortable and remain that way. There’s no jarring pop, no momentary break in connection, no reset between shots that comes with flash. The atmosphere remains uninterrupted. And for me, that’s where the most honest portraits can be found: in the quiet moments and unscripted expressions. Elinchrom LED 100 C in use for stills and video (Image credit: Elinchrom) Of course, flash still has its strengths – and I still often use strobes such as the Godox AD600 Pro II for shoots on location. It’s powerful, portable, and still the go-to for many outdoor or high-speed scenarios. But for controlled environments, especially studio portraits, continuous light has become not just a viable option but an inspiring one. Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Even legacy brands like Elinchrom and Profoto, once synonymous with strobes, are now offering continuous and hybrid lighting tools. Elinchrom’s LED 100C bridges the gap, while Profoto has introduced new cinema lights designed specifically with motion and modern workflows in mind. In addition, video-first brands like Aputure and Nanlite are now producing modifiers and fixtures tailored for portrait photographers who want softness, precision, and control. For those stepping into photography today, there’s never been a better time to choose constant light. It’s powerful, flexible, and increasingly accessible – and if I were starting over, continuous lights would be my choice. (Image credit: Kalum Carter) you may also like… Make your mind up for yourself by checking out our guides to the best LED lights and the best strobe lights. Kalum Carter Social Links Navigation Staff Writer Kalum is a photographer, filmmaker, creative director, and writer with over 10 years of experience in visual storytelling. With a strong focus on photography books, curation, and photo editing, he blends a deep understanding of both contemporary and historical works. Alongside his creative projects, Kalum writes about photography and filmmaking, interviewing industry professionals, showcasing emerging talent, and offering in-depth analyses of the art form. His work highlights the power of visual storytelling, fostering an appreciation for the impact of photography. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Sorry, but this lens isn’t actually for a camera. Are interchangeable lens lights the next big thing in photography? Viltrox K90 RGB Light review: a dual lighting kit that’s a springboard to creative lighting Hello, Mr Blue Sky: how a cheap backdrop gave me a ‘blue-sky thinking’ moment Profoto expands its cinema lighting lineup with three new LEDs built for modern filmmakers Best video lights: get better lighting for vlogging and filmmaking Want the secret to better photos? Get a camera that makes YOU smile Latest in Lighting I never thought I'd want a light stand as much as I do the new Harlowe Rocket! Profoto launches a new light modifier promising "unparalleled accuracy and artistic flair" Hello, Mr Blue Sky: how a cheap backdrop gave me a ‘blue-sky thinking’ moment 3 Legged Thing Luna light stand review: stand and deliver! I tried out Elinchrom’s new LED lights and they a MUST for photographers who are starting to shoot video These new Westcott strobes hide a feature that allows for multiple lighting patterns in seconds Latest in Features I rediscovered my first-ever film SLR in the attic. It's going back in the attic. Zooming is limiting you – if you want to learn photography, start with a prime lens (or lock your focal length) The Fujifilm X-E5 seems like a more versatile X100VI — and that’s why I’m tempted The most valuable skill I’ve learned as a photographer? Learning to read a photograph This Sony compact camera is worth more than when I bought it six years ago – and it is easy to see why Photography education is a scam - I never studied it, but still got to the Olympics as a professional photographer LATEST ARTICLES Canon EOS R3 discounted by $1,000 for B&H Bild Expo Trump Organization reveals its first camera phone, made for "real Americans" The last great DSLR? Canon 5D Mark IV now has $400 Off in this B&H Bild Expo deal This stunning photo was shot with "one of the finest Nikon Z lenses that we've seen to date" How to photograph puffins Digital Camera World is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. Terms and conditions Contact Future's experts Privacy policy Cookies policy Advertise with us Accessibility Statement Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Please login or signup to comment Please wait...