I’ll be honest, this is probably the most asked question I have received since I started posting photos with the spotlight effect so I had to write this post on how to create it in your photography.

Before I start, what exactly is the “spotlight effect”? The spotlight effect is basically created a circular shape light on the subject, it is reminiscent of the lighting used in plays and concerts. The effect has been made popular by influencers and I had to try it myself.

What does the effect look like?

Below are some photo examples from my work. I also have a video on TikTok

Woman model in a photoshoot using the spotlight effect in photography

What do I need to use it? Here are the list of items I personally use:

A mirrorless camera - Nikon Z6II or Nikon Z50 (budget friendly)
A lens - Nikon 28mm , Nikon 35mm or Nikon 50mm
A strobe - Godox AD200 or Godox AD400
Or continuous light - Godox VL150
A flash trigger - Godox XProN
The Godox SA-17 Kit for Godox SA-P Projector Mount
Any light stand (to get the flash or continuous light off the ground).

How do I put everything together?

Honestly, any mirrorless camera with a hot-shoe (ability to attach a flash trigger) will work. You need either a strobe or a constant light connected to the projector mount kit. Connect the trigger to the camera (if you’re using a strobe). The light stand will be used to move the light around and placed where you wanted it.

I use either of the strobes (from above) for the most power during the photoshoot. The only problem with using a strobe, you cannot see where the spotlight will be until you take the photo which makes it difficult to position the light in the correct place. I recommend to take test shots or use the modeling light (in a dark room) to help see where the spotlight will be.

An alternative to this would be to use the Godox VL150 continuous light. Once the light is connected to the projector mount kit and is turned on, it’s way more helpful because you can see where the light placement and you can make adjustments in real time. I recommend making the spotlight larger and smaller to see which one would work best for your shoot. Also, use some of the GOBO’s (circular cutout slits) that were included in the kit to change the spotlight to different patterns of light.

How did you get the light to change color?

I used two different lights.

The first light was light connected to the projector mount kit and second light was used with a “colored gel” to change the color of the light as fill. Think of it like this, I used the spotlight to light certain part of the photo and used the other light to change the color of the shadows. If the second light was not used, the shadows would be black. Colored gels are basically plastic sheets of paper that cover the light that changes the color of the light. I use regular tape on gel and attach them to the light.

Here are some examples:

Combining all of these elements are just the beginning, you can do a lot more to express your creativity. I’m curious, have you ever used the spotlight effect in your work? How did your photoshoot turn out?

If you’d like to see more of my work in real time, feel free to follow me on Instagram or TikTok

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How to Create the Spotlight Effect in your Photography