How should you light product photos, portraits, Reels and YouTube videos? Discover practical ways to use the Newell Isztar LED light and see how its two independently controlled panels can help you manage shadows, colours and the overall look of your shot.
Newell Isztar – a versatile LED light for creative photography and video
Good lighting can make a bigger difference than a more expensive camera, a new lens or yet another editing app. It determines whether a face looks natural, a product retains its true colours and a video feels polished and professional. That does not mean, however, that a home studio has to be filled with multiple lights, stands and modifiers.
La luz LED Newell Isztar combines two independently controlled panels, flexible arms, a smartphone holder and a height-adjustable stand. This makes it possible to use a single setup for product photography, portraits, beauty tutorials, Reels, TikToks, live streams and YouTube videos.
Two panels give you greater control over the shot
A single light placed in front of a person or product can provide sufficient exposure, but it does not always give you enough control over the shadows. One side of the subject may appear noticeably brighter, while the other becomes lost in shadow. A reflector or white board can help, but both require additional space and extra accessories.
The Newell Isztar features two LED panels mounted on separate flexible arms. You can position them at different angles and heights, as well as adjust their brightness and colour temperature independently. One panel can serve as the key light, while the other gently fills in shadows, illuminates the background or highlights the outline of the subject.
In practice, you do not always need to create a complicated lighting setup. When recording a makeup tutorial or Reel, positioning both panels symmetrically on either side of the smartphone will often produce very good results. For portraits or product photography, making one panel brighter than the other can create a clearer direction of light and add depth to the image.
Key lighting specifications
The Newell Isztar LED light offers a maximum output of 36 W and an illuminance of 5,200 lx at a distance of 0.5 m. Brightness can be adjusted continuously from 0 to 100%, while the colour temperature can be set anywhere between 3,200 and 5,600 K.
A high CRI rating of 98+ ensures accurate colour reproduction, which is particularly important when photographing skin tones, makeup, clothing and products. This does not mean that every material will automatically look perfect, however. The final colours in the image are also influenced by the white balance settings, daylight entering through windows, ceiling lights, wall colours and the way the camera or smartphone processes the image.
How to adjust the brightness
More light does not always result in a better image. Setting the panels to maximum power straight away can produce overexposed highlights on the forehead, nose, glossy packaging or metal components. The smartphone’s automatic exposure system may then darken the entire frame, making the background look too dim.
It is best to start with the brightness set to approximately 30–50%. Then check the brightest areas of the image, such as the skin, white lettering, glossy materials and reflections on packaging. If the details remain clearly visible, you can gradually increase the output.
The distance between the light and the subject is equally important. Moving a panel closer to a face or product increases the amount of light reaching it. At the same time, the light source becomes larger in relation to the subject, which can produce softer shadows. In many situations, moving the panels closer and reducing their output will produce a better result than positioning the light farther away and setting it to 100%.
How to choose the right colour temperature
Lower values, around 3,200 K, produce warmer, more yellow light. A setting of 5,600 K is closer to natural daylight. The range between these values allows you to adapt the light to the conditions in the room.
When recording under warm household lighting, start within the 3,200–4,000 K range. Near a window, approximately 5,000–5,600 K will usually work better. In a room where daylight and artificial light are mixed, a setting of around 4,300–4,800 K can provide a useful starting point. For product photography and beauty content, however, it is often better to switch off the ceiling lights and rely on a single type of light source.
For standard catalogue photos and beauty tutorials, both Newell Isztar panels should usually be set to the same colour temperature. Using different colour temperatures on either side of the face can create an interesting visual effect, but it is not the best choice when accurate colour reproduction is the priority.
Using the Newell Isztar for product photography
The two independently controlled panels allow you to create a simple setup for photographing cosmetics, electronics, jewellery, handmade items, clothing and small products for online shops. Position the product in front of a plain background, such as a sheet of poster board gently curved behind the subject.
Product photography on a bright background
Position the product approximately 40–60 cm in front of the light. Spread the arms so that the panels sit to the left and right of the camera, slightly above the photographed object. Angle them downwards at approximately 30–45 degrees.
As a starting point, use:
- the same colour temperature on both panels, preferably around 5,000–5,600 K;
- approximately 50% brightness on the first panel;
- approximately 40–50% brightness on the second panel;
- a smartphone or camera positioned directly in front of the product.
Symmetrical lighting will help reduce harsh shadows and show the shape of the object clearly. If the photograph looks too flat, reduce the brightness of one panel by approximately 10–20 percentage points. A slight difference between the two sides will make the product appear more three-dimensional.
Glossy products and lacquered packaging
Glass, lacquered surfaces, screens and metal reflect light sources. When a panel shines directly from the front, a large bright reflection or overexposed streak may appear on the product, obscuring the logo, label or important details.
In this situation, move the panels farther apart and direct them towards the product from a more pronounced side angle. Watch the reflection on the smartphone screen and adjust the arms until it appears in a controlled position.
Not every reflection needs to be removed. A bright streak along the edge of a bottle, metal casing or glass object can help reveal its shape and glossy finish. It only becomes a problem when it obscures an important part of the product.
Lighting that emphasises texture
To reveal the texture of fabric, leather, paper, wood or embossed packaging, position one panel more prominently to the side. Light hitting the surface at a shallow angle will create small shadows across its raised and recessed areas, making the texture more visible.
Place the second panel closer to the camera axis and reduce its brightness. It should lower the contrast without eliminating the shadows completely. This arrangement also works well for photographing handmade items, food, cosmetics and products with matte surfaces.
Portraits and beauty content
In portrait photography, the direction of the light is just as important as its intensity. It affects the shadows beneath the eyes, the shape of the nose, the appearance of the skin and the way makeup reflects the light.
The panels should ideally be positioned slightly above eye level and angled gently downwards. A light placed too low creates unnatural shadows that point upwards. A panel positioned too high, on the other hand, can deepen the eye sockets.
A distance of approximately 50–80 cm from the face is a good starting point. The final position should always be adjusted to suit the width of the frame and the required brightness.
Even lighting for tutorials
For a makeup tutorial, hairstyle demonstration or skincare video, position both panels symmetrically on either side of the smartphone. Select the same colour temperature and a similar brightness level for both. Begin at approximately 40–60% power.
This setup will reduce deep shadows and help show both sides of the face clearly. Two catchlights will appear in the eyes, and you can adjust their position by moving the panels farther apart or raising them. Avoid placing the panels too far to the sides, however, as the centre of the face may then become darker.
A portrait with more defined facial contours
For a more three-dimensional effect, use one panel as the key light and the other as the fill light. Position the key light approximately 30–45 degrees to the side of the face and slightly above eye level. Keep the second panel closer to the camera axis, but reduce its brightness.
Suggested starting settings:
- key light: approximately 60%;
- fill light: approximately 20–35%;
- colour temperature of both panels: 4,500–5,600 K;
- distance from the face: approximately 60 cm.
If the shadow on the opposite side of the face is too strong, increase the brightness of the fill light. If the portrait looks too flat, reduce its output or move it slightly farther to the side.
Setting up the light for Reels and TikToks
Creators often work alone when recording short-form content. The centrally positioned smartphone holder allows you to place the phone vertically between the panels, so both the framing and lighting can be prepared using a single setup.
For a shot covering the face and upper body, position the light approximately 70–100 cm away. Raise the panels slightly above eye level and direct them towards your face. The phone should be positioned roughly at eye level. A camera placed noticeably lower can distort facial proportions, while one positioned too high can make it more difficult to show a product held in your hands.
Suggested starting settings:
- colour temperature: 4,500–5,600 K;
- brightness of both panels: approximately 35–50%;
- panels positioned on either side of the phone;
- light placed approximately 80 cm away;
- ceiling lighting switched off or reduced.
If you move around while recording a Reel, spread the panels farther apart. This will illuminate a wider area and reduce the risk of your face moving outside the brightest part of the scene.
The set includes a Bluetooth remote control that allows you to take a photo or start recording without touching the phone. A separate 2.4 GHz remote can be used to control the lighting parameters from a distance of up to 20 m.
Using the Newell Isztar for YouTube videos
For longer videos, consistency is just as important as lighting quality. A change in the weather outside can affect the brightness and colour of the image within a matter of minutes. When recording a longer video, it is therefore worth covering the window or limiting the influence of daylight, then basing the exposure primarily on the lamp.
For a classic desk setup, position one panel as the key light at an angle of approximately 30–45 degrees to the face. The second panel can gently brighten the opposite side or illuminate the wall behind the creator.
Suggested setup:
- key light: approximately 50–70% power;
- fill light: approximately 20–40%;
- colour temperature: approximately 4,500–5,200 K;
- distance between the light and the face: approximately 60–100 cm;
- smartphone positioned horizontally at eye level.
If the wall behind the person is light in colour, directing the second panel towards it can create a subtle pool of light. It does not need to be intense. A gentle glow is enough to separate the subject from the background.
The integrated 5 V / 2 A USB port can power a smartphone or another small device while you work.
How to prevent changes in exposure and colour
Even a well-positioned light will not produce consistent results if the smartphone constantly adjusts the brightness and white balance. Once the shot is ready, lock the focus and exposure on the face or product. Depending on the phone and camera app, this may require pressing and holding the selected point on the screen or switching to manual mode.
If the app allows you to set the white balance manually, begin with a value close to the colour temperature of the light. When the lamp is set to 5,600 K, selecting a similar value in the camera is a sensible starting point.
Change one parameter at a time
When setting up the lighting, it is easy to move the lamp while changing its brightness, colour temperature and the camera settings at the same time. This makes it difficult to determine which adjustment actually improved the image.
A better approach is to build the lighting setup gradually. Start by choosing the position of the key light. Then adjust its brightness. Next, switch on the second panel and decide whether it should fill in the shadows, illuminate the background or highlight the outline of the subject. Finally, set the white balance and lock the camera settings.
The Newell Isztar allows you to apply the essential principles of working with two light sources from a single setup. The same equipment can provide even lighting for a tutorial, a more dramatic portrait, a clear product photograph or a subtly illuminated video background. Remember that the aim is not to use the maximum output, but to adapt the direction, balance and colour of the light to the shot you want to create.
Show us what you have created
Have you already taken photos or recorded Reels and videos using the Newell Isztar LED light? Show us the results and tag us on Instagram. We would love to see how you use the two independently controlled light sources in your home studio, during product shoots, beauty tutorials or YouTube recordings.
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