The Best Lights for Portrait Photographers in the Studio

When it comes to creating stunning portraits, lighting is everything. The right light can transform your subject, set the mood, and bring your creative vision to life. But with so many options out there, which lights are actually worth investing in for portrait photography?

In this post, I’m sharing some of my favourite lights that I use in the studio — both flash and constant. Each one brings its own strengths to the table, and the best choice often depends on your style of shooting.

Flash Lighting for Portraits

If you love that crisp, professional look, flash is the classic option for portrait photography. Flash gives you plenty of power, freezes motion, and allows you to sculpt light with precision.

• Godox AD200Pro II
  This is one of my go-to strobes. It’s lightweight, portable, and incredibly versatile. I often use it with a softbox or beauty dish, and it gives me reliable, consistent results. It’s also easy to use on-location, making it a great all-rounder.

• Neewer Q6
  If you’re after more power, the Neewer Q6 is a solid choice. It’s a bit bulkier, but it packs a punch — perfect for when you need stronger output or want to light a larger setup.

Constant Lighting for Portraits

Constant light has become hugely popular, especially for those who like to see what they’re working with before pressing the shutter. It’s also great for creating cinematic looks or if you’re shooting both photo and video.

• Neewer CB200C
  A fantastic budget-friendly option. This bi-colour LED light lets you adjust colour temperature, making it easy to match ambient lighting or set a specific mood. It’s reliable and flexible, especially in smaller studios.

• Zhiyun Molus 300C
  One of my favourites for professional work. It’s compact, powerful, and has excellent colour accuracy — which is so important for getting skin tones right. Pop it into a softbox, and you’ll get beautiful, natural-looking light.

Flash vs Constant Light: Which Should You Choose?

So, which is better? Honestly, it depends.

• Choose flash if you want maximum control, sharp detail, and the ability to freeze motion.

• Choose constant light if you prefer to see your lighting as you work, or if you want to experiment with cinematic, natural shadows.

• Many photographers (myself included!) use both, depending on the look and feel we’re going for.

Final Thoughts

Whether you go for the Godox AD200Pro II or Neewer Q6 in the flash category, or the Neewer CB200C or Zhiyun Molus 300C in constant lighting, all four of these options are excellent choices for portrait photographers. Pair them with the right modifiers — softboxes, beauty dishes, or reflectors — and you’ll have everything you need to create professional, creative portraits in your studio.

👉 Want to see these lights in action? Watch my full video here: YouTube Link