I want to buy a brighter ceiling light to help my indoor photography.Recommendations?

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paul_b

Senior Member
I have quite big rooms and high ceilings. At the moment my indoor ceiling lights are good for everyday living, but not quite bright enough to help my photography the way i'd like. I think my camera is having to compensate with a bit too much flash for my liking (even at 400 iso). I’m thinking of replacing the fitting/s with one that would allow me to use more bulbs or brighter ones. However the ones you can buy in the high street aren’t that much better than what I already have. I wonder if maybe somewhere, some are made specifically for photography needs indoors. However, I still have to keep my Mrs happy by keeping them nice looking and homely, lol.

Has anybody else given the same issue some thought and found anywhere that sells lighting and fittings that give off more light than the normal ones? Maybe even specifically for photography?

I know i could use slave speedlights and it is an option, but it would only help with photography and not home video work (i do both).
 
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paul_b

Senior Member
Flash guns with umbrellas were thoughts i had too. However it's a little bit impracticle because 1) my 4 year old moves around too much and too quickly, and 2) my partner wouldn't want her living room etc looking like a photo studio, lol
 
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Lawrence

Senior Member
Bright downlight with a dimmer switch to keep mum happy.
Adjustable spotlights might be better so that you can direct the lighting.
 
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nickt

Senior Member
Like Lawrence said, get dimmers along with any upgrade. Very useful to be able to blast the light or dim it down for family life. I have been switching over to LEDs throughout the house. I'm going much brighter than I need for everyday use and adding dimmer switches. LEDs stay white and efficient as they dim.
 
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nickt

Senior Member
paul_b said:
Are the LED bulbs the same shape fitting as the normal light bulbs?
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They are here. Its hard to tell them from incandescent if you get the 2700k bulbs. They are heat sinked towards the socket end so that area does not light up.
 
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paul_b

Senior Member
I'm not 100% sure what a normal light bulb is called, but I think they are called incandescent light bulbs. Is it just a case a slipping them out and replacing with LED versions instead. Are the fittings the same, ie same shape and size etc?

Do the LED's use less wattage? If so that would be interesting as I would then be able to gain more light by using brighter ones, as they wouldn't go over the maximum wattage for my light fixture.

When you say 'down lighting' does that simply mean pointing the bulb downwards?

So these LED bulbs can be used with a normal dimmer switch?

Thanks.
 
Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
paul_b said:
I'm not 100% sure what a normal light bulb is called, but I think they are called incandescent light bulbs. Is it just a case a slipping them out and replacing with LED versions instead. Are the fittings the same, ie same shape and size etc?

Do the LED's use less wattage? If so that would be interesting as I would then be able to gain more light by using brighter ones, as they wouldn't go over the maximum wattage for my light fixture.

When you say 'down lighting' does that simply mean pointing the bulb downwards?

So these LED bulbs can be used with a normal dimmer switch?

Thanks.
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Not sure if you saw my link above but it has all this information.

[h=1]HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DOWNLIGHT[/h]
[h=1]How to choose the right LED downlight[/h]
With a range of options available, it can be confusing to determine which light is right. See our easy guide below for help!

[h=3]Wattage[/h]Energy saving lighting is about reducing the wattage used in a light fitting while maintaining similar light output. For example, a standard halogen downlight uses 55 watts, but you can purchase LED alternatives ranging from 4.5 watts to 14 watts.

Lumens
Lumen is the standard unit for measuring the amount of light produced by a light source. It is equal to the amount of light hitting one square foot of surface one foot away from the light. Essentially, the higher the lumens, the brighter the light.

Lumens per watt
This truly shows the efficiency of the LED product. For example a 200lm product consuming 3 watts of electricity = 66 lumens per watt. Lumens per watt vary from product to product depending on the LED chip used, how hard the product is being run, and the construction of the fitting and how effective the heat sink is at removing the heat.

Beam angle
The beam angle is something you need to pay attention to when choosing the right LED lighting for the space. This is as important as the Lumens. Beam angle indicates the spread of light from the light source. A narrow beam gives a concentrated light which is better for accent lighting. A wide beam gives a more general, softer light.

[h=3]Warm white and cool white[/h]The colour temperature of a product is a linear scale of measuring the colour of light. Measured in degrees, Kelvin, warm light is measured in lower numbers and cool white in higher numbers. It is down to personal preference whether you choose warm white or cool white.

Cool white is ideal for task-orientated areas like kitchens and laundries and areas that have a warmer climate as the lighting will help to make the rooms feel cooler. Warm white helps to create a more intimate atmosphere suited to bedrooms and living rooms and these colour temperatures create a more relaxing and comfortable environment. A tip is to stick to just one colour throughout an open plan living area, otherwise the mixing of colours will be distracting to the eye.

[h=2]LEDlux Prime 14 watt dimmable downlights[/h]These downlights have a narrower beam spread, making them ideal for task areas that need directional light, such as the kitchen and bathroom. When setting up for dimming, allocate a minimum of three downlights per dimmer, as all Australian dimmers have a minimum load requirement, and this will ensure smooth dimming. The MR16 version of the prime downlight is available as a direct replacement for halogen downlight without the use of an electrician.

Lumens: Warm white 570, Cool white 780
Beam spread: 50 degrees, ideal for ceiling heights of between 2.1 - 3.5 metres
Energy efficiency: Warm white 570 lumens at 14watts = 40.7lm per watt, Cool white 780lm at 14watts = 55.71 lm per watt

Click here to shop the LEDlux Prime downlight



[h=2]LEDlux Proton 12 watt COB downlight[/h]A very comparable downlight to low voltage halogen with a similar look and performance . The Proton is dimmable on most popular dimmers in Australia, including our own LEDlux dimmer (link to: SKU 290998). Available in many different frame combinations, you are sure to fine a frame that works with the décor in your home.

Lumens: Warm white 750, Cool white 600
Beam spread: 80 Degrees great for all ceiling heights. Up to 4 meters
Energy efficiency: 750 lumens at 13 watts = 57 lumens per watt

Click here to shop the LEDlux Proton downlight

[h=2]LEDlux Infinity Mini downlights[/h]Our LEDlux Infinity Mini downlights also have a high light output but a wider beam spread, making them suitable for rooms that need an even general coverage of light. Bathrooms, hallways, kitchen/living areas, the study and laundry are all good applications for this product. They are also IP44 rated, meaning they are suitable for exterior use and wet areas as they are undercover and protected from the elements. In addition, the low profile of this downlight (a mere 38mm high) means that it doesn't require a lot of roof space and may fit into roof spaces not normally suitable for downlight usage.

Lumens: Warm white 600, Cool white 600
Beam spread: 150 degrees, ideal for ceiling heights of between 2.1 - 2.7 metres. As the beam is so wide, you may be able to use less in a room.
Energy efficiency: 600 Lumens at 11watts = 66lm per watt

Click here to shop the LEDlux Infinity Mini Downlight



[h=2]LEDlux Infinity Maxi downlights[/h]Our LEDlux Infinity Maxi downlights have a high light output of 900lm and a wide beam spread, making them suitable for rooms that need more general coverage lighting including: bathrooms, hallways, kitchen/living areas, the study and laundry are all perfect applications for this product. They are also IP44 rated, which makes them suitable for exterior use and wet areas as long as they are undercover and protected from the elements. In addition, the heat sink allows the product to be abutted against insulation.These products are dimmable and we recommend to use these with the LEDlux dimmer.

Lumens: Warm white 900, Cool white 900
Beam spread: 150 degrees, ideal for ceiling heights of between 2.1 - 2.7 metres. As the beam is so wide, you may be able to use less in a room.
Energy efficiency: 900Lumens at 15watts

Click here to shop the LEDlux Infinity Maxi



[h=2]LEDlux Tone Mini downlights[/h]The LEDlux Tone Mini is the perfect LED replacement downlight for homes with existing 12volt halogen downlights. The 450lm provides enough light for most areas of the home, and the gimble frame allows the product to be adjusted to light walls, artwork or work spaces. This product offers performance, style at an exceptional price.

Lumens: 450lm for both warm white and cool white
Beam spread: 95 Degrees ideal for standard 2.1 - 2.7 ceiling heights
Energy efficiency: 450Lm at 6 watts = 75lm per watt

Click here to shop the LEDlux Tone Mini



[h=2]LEDlux Tone Maxi downlights[/h]Similar to the LEDlux Tone Mini this product is a great replacement for existing 12volt halogen downlights. Offering a 92mm cutout size and providing 650Lm, this dimmable downlight, offers the complete package. We recommend to use these with the LEDlux dimmer.

Lumens: 650lm for both warm white and cool white
Beam spread: 95 Degrees ideal for standard 2.1 - 2.7 ceiling heights
Energy efficiency: 650Lm at 11 watts = 59lm per watt

With a well-designed lighting plan you can use a combination of the Tone Mini and Tone Maxi throughout your home. The Tone Mini would be great for secondary areas, such as hallways, toilets, bedrooms, walk in robes. The Tone Maxi can then be used in the more populated rooms such as lounge areas, kitchens, dining rooms, studies and bathrooms. These products offer exceptional energy savings which can help your family to reduce their energy usage and save money. At an attractive price, you can’t go wrong with the LEDlux Tone downlights.

Outlined below are some great LED replacement globes,that will help you to save energy, time and money.

[h=3]LEDlux Insight GU10 globe[/h]This globe is an economical 240v 5.5w GU10 LED choice for the savvy consumer. It is suitable to replace GU10 halogen globes in spotlight and downlights. This product is non dimmable.

Lumens: 350 lumens in cool white and warmwhite
Beam spread: 65 Degrees ideal for 2.1-2.7 ceiling heights
Energy efficiency: 350lumens at 5.5watts = 63.63lm per watt

Click here to shop the LEDlux Insight GU10 globe


[h=3]LEDlux Insight MR16 globe[/h]The insight is an economical 12v 5.5w MR16 LED choice for the savvy consumer. It is a perfect replacement for MR16 halogen globes in spotlights and downlights. This product is non dimmable.

Lumens: 350 lumens in cool white and warmwhite
Beam spread: 65 Degrees ideal for 2.1-2.7 ceiling heights
Energy efficiency: 350lumens at 5.5watts = 63.63lm per watt

Click here to shop the LEDlux Insight MR16 globe



[h=3]LEDlux 11 watt 800lm GLS[/h]The 11watt GLS globe is a general purpose LED globe. Perfect to replace old inefficient incandescent GLS and other globe options such as CFL. The advantage of going LED is the average life of a product is up to 30,000 hours, due to the low energy consumption of LED products. These products are designed to replace common GLS globes in table lamps, pendants, flush fitting, exteriors, floor lamps and fan lights. An additional advantage is these globes are available in warm white and cool white options, so you can choose the colour suitable for the application. There is also a dimmable option in this range.

Click here to shop the LEDlux GLS globe

[h=3]LEDlux Tekdim 5 watt 435lm MR16[/h]LEDlux Tekdim 5W 435 lumen dimmable 12V MR16 globe in warm white.
Click here to shop the LEDlux Tekdim 5 watt globe

[h=3]LEDlux Tekdim 8 watt 540lm MR16 [/h]LEDlux Tekdim 5W 435 lumen dimmable 12V MR16 globe in warm white.
Click here to shop the LEDlux Tekdim 8 watt globe

[h=3]LEDlux 5 watt Micro Chip Dimmable MR16 Mini Globe [/h]LEDlux 5W micro chip dimmable 12V LED MR16 globe, can be used with most HPM, Clipsal, PDL and Kiwi Dimmers.
Click here to shop the LEDlux 5 watt Micro Chip Dimmable MR16 globe

[h=3]LEDlux 8 watt Micro Chip Dimmable MR16 Mini Globe [/h]LEDlux 8W micro chip dimmable 12V LED MR16 globe to suit gimble downlights, can be used with most HPM, Clipsal, PDL and Kiwi dimmers.
Click here to shop the LEDlux 8 watt Micro Chip Dimmable MR16 globe

Energy saving tip:
Use two-way switching in rooms with two exits to ensure lights can easily be turned off when leaving the room.
 
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nickt

Senior Member
This is a 'normal' bulb for the US:
LE® 10W A19 E26 LED Light Bulbs, Brightest 60W Incandescent Bulbs Equivalent, 810lm, Warm White, LED Bulbs, Medium Screw, Pack of 10 Units - - Amazon.com

Leds are just now getting mainstream and we are seeing new styles emerge like candelabra, spot lights, floods, etc. Prices are dropping.

They may or may not work with your older dimmer. I bought new style dimmers labeled for led use. They have a trimmer under the plate so you can adjust for best dimming behavior. Yes, you can safely over load your fixtures, 10w led = 60watts. Some bulbs are labeled for enclosed fixtures, some require an open fixture. They really do not get very hot, but leds are sensitive to heat.
Leds dim efficiently where incandescents are very inefficient when dimmed.
 
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paul_b

Senior Member
So, they come in different temperatures then? I suppose its tempting to go with the same temperature as my speed light, but is white light advised for a living area?
 
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nickt

Senior Member
paul_b said:
So, they come in different temperatures then? I suppose its tempting to go with the same temperature as my speed light, but is white light advised for a living area?
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Not if you have a wife, lol.
We got a new kitchen fixture, 4000k. It is white like fluorescent shop lights. It took a day to get used to it. However my wife would go bonkers with that kind of light in the living room or bedrooms. 2700k soft white is nice and welcoming and relaxing. This is of course not thinking about photography, just comfortable house light.
 
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Scrayen

Senior Member
For daylight get 5000K LED bulbs or higher color temperature. For enough daylight get the highest Lumens/wattage you can find. In my 10 foot by 10 foot room I have 4 each 5000K LED bulbs each rated at 800 lumens. That and a window are sufficient for this small room. I did the same setup in a larger room and it looks dimmer because they are higher up. A larger room will need more lighting. A nearby window helps a lot. Natural light is best. I bought the lamps at a hardware store.

Just know that the light from 5000K bulbs is whiter that normal incandescence bulbs and you wife will notice the light is different in that room.

A dimmer switch will be handy. Just be sure it is rated for the type of bulb; ie Incandescent or LED. Also make sure the dimmer switch is rated for the number of light switches on that circuit.

You might consider some portable lights for targeted lighting. They can be stored in the closet.
 
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Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
I replaced all the bulbs in my kitchen and dayroom with the 5500k compact fluorescent bulbs (daylight bulbs) It is amazing how much better the lighting looks in those rooms. All three bathrooms sere next on the list. Eventually all the house will be switched over. Shooting photos in those rooms looks so much better now. Flash or no flash the color of the photos is so much better.

I started using daylight bulbs many years ago in my one hour photo labs because it made looking at the photos so much better for the customers. Every lab I went into that would be the first thing I would change.
 
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