Color Gels vs RGB Lights: Which Is Better for Portrait Photography

August 19, 2025

Come see Jeff live and in-person at Imaging USA! Get all the details at https://imagingusa.com.

In this hands-on tutorial, Jeff Carpenter of Ready Light Media and Next Level Workshops breaks down the pros and cons of using color gels on strobes versus RGB LED lights for portrait photography. Whether you're just exploring creative lighting or deciding how to invest in your gear, this video is packed with practical insights, side-by-side comparisons, and real-world examples to help you choose what fits your style.

What you'll learn:

Key differences between gels and RGB constant lights

Pros and cons of each when it comes to power, flexibility, ease of use, and color control

How to mix both systems for stunning effects like long exposure light trails

How ambient light affects RGB setups—and how gels give you more control

Creative ways to stack gels and use modifiers for unique color combos

Gear featured:

Profoto strobes with magnetic color gels

Nanlite FS-300C RGB lights

V-Flat World modifiers

Behind-the-scenes look at long exposure setups with RGB + flash

This is a must-watch if you're looking to up your lighting game and better understand how to balance color, power, and control in your studio or on-location shoots.

Still not sure which lighting system fits your workflow? Watch until the end for a creative hybrid solution that blends the best of both worlds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recommended For You

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Releases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latest Podcasts