If you’re a portrait photographer, you know how important lighting is to get the perfect shot. One way to improve your lighting setup is to add a COB light to your portrait studio session. COB, or Chip-On-Board, lamps are a popular form of LED lighting that offers many benefits for portrait photography.
The X100 Mass

The X100 Mass

The X100 Mass

The X100 Mass

The X100 Mass
Why you should consider adding a COB light to your portrait studio session
More light
Output COB lamps provide a higher light output than traditional LED lamps. This means they can illuminate your subject brighter and more powerfully. With a COB bulb, you can add more light to your setup and create a more dramatic effect, especially when combined with other LED bulbs or even studio flashes.
Better light quality
COB lamps also provide better light quality than traditional LED lamps. They provide a more natural-looking light that closely resembles daylight. This can be especially useful for portrait photography as it can help create a more flattering and realistic look for your subject. Also great for video and vlogging.
More control
COB lamps offer more control over light output than traditional LED lamps. You can adjust the brightness, color temperature and other settings to achieve the perfect look for your shot. With an extra COB lamp you have even more control over your lighting setup and you can tailor the light to your subject and the atmosphere you want to create.
Versatility
COB lights are very versatile and can be used for a wide variety of photography styles and settings. Whether you’re shooting portraits in a studio, on location or in difficult lighting conditions, COB lights can help you get the perfect shot. They are often smaller and easy to transport, making them ideal for location shooting.
Affordability
COB lights are often less expensive than other types of studio lighting equipment. This means you can add a COB bulb to your setup without breaking the bank. Since the cost of lighting equipment is a major concern for many photographers, this is a significant benefit.

Sorry for the mess

MolusX100 with mesh

MolusX100 with mesh
Some tips for adding a COB light to your portrait studio session
- Choose the right light. When choosing a COB bulb for your setup, consider factors such as light output and color temperature. Look for a lamp that offers high-quality lighting and the features you need for your specific shooting style.
- Place the light. Once you have your COB bulb, carefully position it to achieve the desired effect. Experiment with different angles and distances to find the best placement for your subject and the look you want to create.
- Adjust the settings. Use the controls on your COB light to adjust brightness, color temperature, and other settings to achieve the perfect look for your shot. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings to find the right balance.
- Consider using diffusion. If you find that the light from your COB bulb is too harsh or direct, consider using diffusion to soften the light. This can be achieved using diffusion paper, a mesh cloth, or a softbox, and can help create a more flattering and natural-looking light for your subject.

Finally, adding a COB light such as the Zhiyun Molus X100 COD LED Light to your portrait studio session can provide many benefits for portrait photographers. With more light output, better quality of light, more control, versatility and affordability, the COB lamp is a great investment for anyone looking to upgrade their lighting setup.