Professional photography lighting doesn't always require expensive equipment. Your laptop, tablet, or phone screen can serve as an effective light source for various photography applications. Here's how to use screen lighting like a pro.
Why Use Screens for Photography Lighting?
Screen lighting offers unique advantages:
- ✓ Soft, diffused light: Large screen surface creates gentle shadows
- ✓ Adjustable intensity: Control brightness with precision
- ✓ Color temperature control: Use custom colors for creative effects
- ✓ Portable: Always have a light source with you
- ✓ Silent operation: No fan noise like traditional lights
- ✓ Cost-effective: Use devices you already own
Product Photography with Screen Lighting
Basic Setup
For small products like jewelry, watches, or cosmetics:
- 1. Position your product on a neutral surface
- 2. Place white screen at 45-degree angle to product
- 3. Adjust screen brightness to eliminate harsh shadows
- 4. Use second screen or reflector on opposite side for fill
- 5. Shoot with natural light or additional key light
Advanced Techniques
Gradient backgrounds
Use custom colors to create colored backgrounds without physical backdrops.
Rim lighting
Position screen behind product for dramatic edge lighting.
Reflection control
Use black screen to reduce unwanted reflections on glossy products.
Portrait Photography Applications
Fill Light for Portraits
Reduce harsh shadows on faces:
- • Position tablet or laptop below subject's face
- • Angle screen upward at 30-45 degrees
- • Adjust brightness to fill shadows without overexposing
- • Creates natural-looking catchlights in eyes
Video Call Enhancement
Look your best on Zoom, Teams, or video calls:
- • Place second device below camera
- • Use white screen at 50-70% brightness
- • Eliminates under-eye shadows
- • Creates professional, well-lit appearance
Macro Photography Techniques
Backlit Subjects
Create stunning translucent effects:
- • Place translucent subjects directly on screen
- • Protect screen with clear plastic sheet
- • Shoot from above with macro lens
- • Perfect for leaves, flowers, insects, thin fabrics
Creative Color Effects
- • Use colored screens for artistic backgrounds
- • Experiment with complementary colors
- • Create mood with warm or cool tones
- • Combine multiple colored screens
Multi-Screen Lighting Setups
Three-Point Lighting
Professional setup using multiple devices:
- • Key light: Main light source (traditional light or window)
- • Fill light: White screen at 45 degrees to reduce shadows
- • Back light: Second screen behind subject for separation
Clamshell Lighting
Beauty lighting technique:
- • Position one screen above subject angled down
- • Place second screen below angled up
- • Creates soft, flattering light with minimal shadows
- • Popular for beauty and fashion photography
Technical Considerations
Screen Brightness & Exposure
- • Start at 50% brightness
- • Use camera's histogram
- • Shoot in manual mode
- • Consider exposure compensation
Color Temperature
- • Most screens ~6500K (daylight)
- • Match screen to ambient light
- • Use custom white balance
- • Shoot in RAW format
Best Devices for Photography Lighting
Tablets (Best Overall)
Large surface area for soft light, portable and easy to position, bright enough for most applications. Recommended: iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab
Laptops (Good for Stationary Setups)
Even larger light source, can be angled easily, stable base for positioning, great for product photography
Smartphones (Emergency/Travel)
Always available, small but effective for close-up work, good for fill light in tight spaces, limited by small screen size
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too Much Screen Light
Screen should complement, not overpower main light. Start with lower brightness and increase gradually.
Wrong Color Temperature
Mixing warm and cool light creates color casts. Match screen color to ambient light or use custom white balance.
Poor Positioning
Screen too close creates hot spots; too far reduces effectiveness. Experiment with distance and angle.
Recommended Camera Settings
For Product Photography
- • ISO: 100-400 (lowest possible)
- • Aperture: f/8-f/16 (for depth of field)
- • Shutter: 1/60-1/125 (on tripod)
- • White balance: Custom or daylight
For Portraits
- • ISO: 400-800
- • Aperture: f/2.8-f/5.6 (for background blur)
- • Shutter: 1/125-1/250
- • White balance: Auto or custom
Pro Tips from Professional Photographers
- • Diffusion: Place white fabric over screen for even softer light
- • Reflection: Bounce screen light off white walls for larger light source
- • Consistency: Save custom colors for repeatable setups
- • Battery: Keep devices plugged in during long shoots
- • Wake lock: Use white screen tool to prevent dimming
Conclusion
Screen lighting is a versatile, accessible technique that every photographer should have in their toolkit. While it won't replace professional lighting for all situations, it's perfect for travel, emergency situations, and creative experimentation.
The key is experimentation. Try different positions, brightness levels, and colors to discover what works best for your style. With practice, you'll develop an intuition for how to use screen lighting effectively in various scenarios.