Lighting

Two black Godox SK400II studio lights on stands; one shows the front with the LED light, the other shows the back with a digital display and control buttons, both against a dark gradient background.

Godox Introduces Entry-Level Studio Strobes Starting at $149

Godox has introduced the new SKIIIV Series, a pair of entry-level studio flash monolights designed for small- and medium-sized studios. Available in 300Ws and 400Ws configurations, the SK300III-V and SK400III-V aim to deliver consistent output and practical control at accessible price points.

A rocky shoreline at dusk with dramatic pink and purple clouds in the sky. A small island with a lighthouse sits on the horizon, surrounded by calm ocean water reflecting the colorful sunset.

Light and Photography: How Light Interacts With Your Subject

The secret to a good photograph lies in your eye for composition and in how you see light interacting with both the world and your camera. In this, the first of a series of articles on light, we look at how its interactions with subjects can affect the feel of our photos.

Two black adjustable light stands with gold accents are shown on the left; one is extended taller than the other. On the right is a close-up of a "MAGMOD" branded clamp on one of the stands.

MagMod Believes it Just Reinvented the Light Stand

MagMod has launched the MagStand on Kickstarter, aiming to rethink one of the most overlooked pieces of gear in photography and video production: the light stand. Within the first 48 hours, the campaign attracted more than 1,100 backers and surpassed $350,000 in funding, positioning it among the strongest recent photo gear launches on the crowdfunding platform.

A person stands behind a large, open, white photography umbrella with only their head and hands visible above it, against a black background.

Snap Rabbit Softbox Delivers Big, Soft Light in a Snap

DoPchoice has introduced the Snap Rabbit Octa 5' Snapbag, a new softbox system designed to simplify setup while maintaining the high-quality light control expected on professional sets. Built for today’s high-output COB LED fixtures, the Octa 5' aims to reduce assembly time without sacrificing diffusion quality or output efficiency.

Two black Godox V1 camera flashes are positioned side by side on a dark surface. One shows its illuminated round head, while the other displays its digital control screen and buttons.

Godox’s New $179 V1mid Flash Balances Affordability and Pro Performance

Godox has introduced the V1mid, a new round-head on-camera flash positioned between entry-level speedlights and the company’s flagship V1 models. Priced at $179, the V1mid expands Godox’s TTL Li-ion flash lineup with a more compact design while retaining professional features aimed at photographers who prioritize mobility and consistent light quality.

Two professional LED panel lights on stands emit multicolored light patterns against a vibrant gradient background of orange, pink, and purple hues.

Godox’s New LEDs Are Colorful, Powerful, and Weather Resistant

Godox has expanded its professional Knowled lighting lineup with the introduction of the P600R Hard P4 and P1200R Hard P8 full-color LED panel lights. Designed for film, broadcast, and large-scale production environments, the new fixtures combine high-output RGB performance, pixel-level control, and weather-resistant construction aimed at demanding studio and on-location workflows.

A variety of professional photography lights, including LED panels, ring light, and strobes, are arranged on a peach background with fireworks. Some lights are on stands, and a smartphone displays color controls.

Save Big on the Lighting Gear That Can Improve Your Photos in 2026

The new year is the perfect excuse to finally upgrade the lighting gear that shapes every shot you take. Whether you are refining a home studio, stepping into video production, or simply tired of fighting inconsistent light, better lighting delivers immediate, visible improvements to your work.

A hand adjusts the settings on a Westcott FJ200 strobe light, which is mounted on a tripod. The background is out of focus with autumn-colored foliage.

Westcott’s FJ250 Strobe Boasts the Best Battery Life in its Class

Westcott's new FJ250 250Ws Touchscreen Strobe is an exciting entry-level monolight for photographers who need reliable power, fast performance, and a compact footprint on location. Positioned in Westcott's refreshed lineup below the FJ400 II and FJ800, the FJ250 replaces the popular FJ200 and introduces several user-requested upgrades into a more accessible package.

Two compact rectangular camera accessories, one silver and one black, each featuring dials on top, a rectangular light on the front, and a USB port on the side, are shown on a plain light background.

Zeniko Launches $50 Universal Dual Dial Retro Mini Flash

Zeniko has introduced the ZA12 Dual Dial Retro Mini Flash, a compact lighting solution designed for photographers seeking portable illumination. According to Zeniko, the flash delivers even, powerful light using the company’s optical technology, which pairs a xenon tube with a Fresnel lens.

Two digital cameras with external flashes are displayed, one showing the back and the other the front. Between them is a standalone flash unit, all set on white platforms against a light background.

Godox’s New Universal Flash Has a Swappable Hotshoe That Is Also a Wireless Trigger

Godox announced a new compact camera flash and accompanying wireless flash trigger. The Godox iT32 iFlash and X5 TTL Wireless Flash Trigger comprise a new modular lighting system built for all major camera systems, supporting full TTL and HSS across the board. The flash itself has an interchangeable hot shoe, so photographers can mix and match camera brands in their kit without needing a new flash.

Collage with: a professional studio light above green plants, the same light set up in an industrial-style room, and a close-up of a decorated stone. “PetaPixel Showcase” text appears in the lower right corner.

ProMaster’s Air Support Stand Changed How I Light My Photos

We tested ProMaster’s latest lighting products, including the groundbreaking Air Support Light Stand and the Ultrasoft US1014RGB LED, a great companion to ProMaster's new stand. Together, they comprise a setup that is fast to deploy, easy to control, and capable of producing beautifully soft, color-accurate light -- a combination that feels purpose-built for hybrid creators who move seamlessly between photo and video work.

A compact, rectangular LED device labeled "VILTROX," shown against a black background with green dotted waves. The device has a translucent front light panel and visible buttons and ports on the sides.

Viltrox Spark Z3 TTL Flash Offers Cyber Mech Style and Bright Light

Viltrox has announced the Spark Z3, a new on-camera flash that combines portability with practical power in a design that nods to futuristic aesthetics. Aimed at photographers seeking a reliable yet compact lighting tool, the Spark Z3 is designed to provide straightforward illumination for everyday shooting, portraits, and travel photography.

Split image: On the left, tortoiseshell sunglasses with blue lenses on a dark background; on the right, three metallic necklaces with unique geometric pendants on a green background.

How to Photograph Challenging Products Like Eyewear and Jewelry

In e-commerce, photography isn’t just a picture—it’s the customer’s only connection to the product. A shopper can’t hold the glasses, feel the texture of the frame, or judge the true glossiness of the metal. When the image doesn’t reflect reality, the result is disappointment, higher return rates, and ultimately, a loss of trust in the brand.

Two professional studio lights on stands, one facing forward with its bright LED illuminated and the other showing its digital display screen and control buttons, both set against a dark gradient background.

The Godox AD400Pro II Outdoor Flash Is Faster and More Versatile

Godox continues to expand its portable lighting system with the release of the AD400Pro II, the latest addition to its Witstro series. Building on the success of the original AD400Pro, this new model introduces upgraded features for greater control, speed, and versatility in studio and outdoor environments.

A black digital camera with a lens and an attached external flash faces a white Ulanzi-branded accessory on a beige surface, both well-lit and casting soft shadows.

Ulanzi’s $25 Compact Flash Has a 2-in-1 Design

Ulanzi announced its latest camera accessory, the SL03 Spark Lite, a pocket-sized flash designed to deliver powerful lighting in a compact and portable form. Priced at just $25, this newly released flash offers both flash and constant light modes, making it a versatile tool for photographers on the go.

Two compact Nanlite Pico LED light controllers, one white and one dark blue, each with a round display showing brightness and color settings, on a blue and white gradient background.

Nanlite’s New Teeny Tiny Light Can Go Anywhere

In a market increasingly defined by portability and creative flexibility, Nanlite introduced the Pico, a new pocket-sized RGBW LED light aimed squarely at content creators, mobile filmmakers, and photographers looking for compact yet capable lighting tools.

Split image: Left side shows a square LED light emitting yellow, red, blue, and green light in four panels. Right side shows a person in a cap holding a clapperboard, seated in front of test charts and monitors in a studio.

Clever Color Filter for Video Changes Color in Real-Time

Independent filmmaker and designer Bryce Zimmerman has announced the release of a new piece of in-camera effects gear, the VariColour Filter Tray, hereafter referred to as "VariColor." It is a low-cost, DIY-inspired tool for cinematographers looking to experiment with color and contrast directly on set for visual results in real-time, all without AI.

Two Godox camera flash units are displayed on a bluish, abstract background; one shows the front view with a prominent flash head, while the other displays the back with control screen and buttons.

Godox V480C TTL Flash Promises Pro Power in a Portable Package

In an industry increasingly demanding portability without compromise, Godox has introduced the V480 TTL Flash, a blend of compact design, pro-level performance, and intuitive usability. Bridging the gap between the smaller V350 and the more robust V860III, the V480 arrives as a medium-sized powerhouse purpose-built for photographers who need both mobility and control.

Two characters from "Wicked" stand side by side, looking upward with a surprised expression. One is dressed as the green-skinned Wicked Witch in dark attire and a hat, while the other is Glinda in a pink dress with blonde hair. Light shines behind them.

How the Fantastical Blockbuster Movie ‘Wicked’ Was Lit

When it was released in 1939, The Wizard of Oz broke new ground in movie production thanks largely to its remarkable lighting setup. The blockbuster prequel Wicked, based on the award-winning Broadway play of the same name, likewise captivates contemporary audiences thanks in large part to its visual aesthetic and incredible lighting.