As a photographer, lighting is everything. It sets the mood, highlights details, and creates the overall atmosphere for every shot. That’s why I’ve invested in LED light walls in my studio—allowing me to achieve stunning, consistent lighting no matter the season or time of day. In this post, I’m diving into how I set up my own DIY LED light panels and how you can easily recreate the setup in your own studio with the help of my step-by-step guide.

Why I chose LED Light Walls

Lighting is one of the trickiest parts of photography. Natural light is wonderful and honestly my first true love, but it’s also unreliable—it changes with the seasons, time of day, and weather. That’s why I needed a way to control my lighting and ensure that every session, whether it’s a newborn shoot or a family portrait, had consistent, high-quality lighting. There was a time when I would schedule my newborns within a 2 hour window of winter light, and I am super thankful to have that in the rear view.

LED light walls have been the perfect solution, giving me uniform, soft lighting that I can depend on year-round. Here’s why they’ve become a game-changer for my photography:

Space-Saving: These panels are sleek and can be arranged in a variety of ways, allowing me to maximize my studio space. When I did use supplemental light, I used an Einstein strobe with an 86 inch PLM. It was giant in my 14×21 studio space.

Consistency, No Matter the Weather, Season, or Time of Day: With LED light walls, I don’t have to worry about overcast skies or fading daylight. My lighting stays the same, ensuring every photo has the perfect balance of brightness and warmth.

Flexible and Adjustable: Unlike traditional lighting setups, these panels are completely adjustable. I can control their brightness and angle to create the exact effect I want for each session by moving subjects closer or further away, or changing the tone of my set (light or moody).

Energy-Efficient and Cost-Effective: LED panels are energy-efficient, meaning I’m saving on electricity while also getting the best lighting possible. They have very little maintenance, and replacement is after a tested 50,000 hours of use. While the upfront cost for my set up might seem a little steep, the longevity of life and the amount of time I have saved in editing has them paid for before I even set them up.

What makes my LED Light Walls so Different

While LED panels are available in various forms, I’ve carefully crafted my own DIY LED light walls using materials that give me ultimate control and flexibility. Here’s a peek at what makes mine stand out:

Affordable Setup: Creating a DIY setup means I’ve saved money compared to expensive, ready-made light walls. It’s not just about saving on costs—it’s also about building a system that works perfectly for my studio’s needs.

Modular Panels: These LED panels are modular, so I can expand my lighting setup if needed. This flexibility gives me total control over how much light I want and where. I have made multiple panels so I can give the illusion of windows in my lifestyle the studio adding the overall vibe and feel.

How my LED Light Walls Help my Photography

Having perfect, consistent lighting means I can focus on what truly matters—capturing authentic moments with my clients.

Here’s a few ways these LED Panels impact my sessions:

Fast Turnaround Times: Since my lighting is always on point, I spend less time adjusting or tweaking during the shoot. This means quicker sessions, which is a huge benefit for families with young kids or busy schedules.

Flattering Skin Tones: The even light minimizes harsh shadows, leaving my clients with smooth, flattering skin tones. This is especially important for newborn and family sessions where the subject’s skin is the focal point.

Versatile for Any Session: Whether I’m doing a newborn shoot, a maternity session, or a smash and splash milestone session, I never have to worry about lighting being too harsh or too soft.

Want to create your own DIY light wall?

I know you’re probably thinking, “This sounds amazing, but where do I even start?” Well, you’re in luck my friend, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide that takes you through every step of creating your own DIY LED light wall setup.

In my $29.99 CAD guide, you’ll get:

A supplies list for everything you need to build your LED light walls.
Step-by-step instructions on how to wire the panels, build the structure, and install them.
Before-and-after photos so you can see how the lighting changes with the setup.
Sample images from my sessions, so you can see the kind of results you can expect.
Tips on how to use the light panels to get the best results for any type of session.

If you’re a photographer who wants to elevate your studio game and create consistent, professional-quality images, this guide is a must-have. Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your lighting setup, my guide will help you save time and money while creating a DIY LED wall that works for you.

If you’re ready to take control of your studio lighting and create a space that works for your unique needs, my LED light wall guide is the perfect solution. Click here to grab your copy and start building your own setup today!