Strobes v Video Lights

Jim Decker & Robin Dodd · Issue 135, Nov/Dec 2023 · pp. 38–42

Products mentioned: Backscatter Mini Flash 2 Strobe, Sea & Sea YS-250 Strobe, Sea & Sea YS-D3 Strobe, Keldan 8X video light, Sony a1

One of the most common questions at Backscatter is whether you can use video lights instead of strobes for underwater photography. The straightforward answer is that a strobe will always be better when shooting photos. However, in some circumstances, you can use a video light instead. This article will explore everything underwater photographers need to know about the differences between these two types of lighting and how they work for underwater photography. WHY YOU NEED LIGHTING Before getting into the limitations and best uses of video lights, it’s fundamental to understand why underwater photography requires a light source in the first place. Highlight the Foreground Subject The foreground subject is often the most critical part of the image, so getting plenty of light on it is vital to draw attention to it. Lighting the subject will also help separate it from the darker background,…