How to light your workspace and photograph tattoos the right way? A practical guide featuring Newell lights for professional tattoo artists.
Lighting for tattoo artists: A professional guide
In the tattoo industry, lighting isn’t just a tool — it’s a vital component of your workstation, directly affecting both the precision and quality of your work. Proper lighting enables the artist to work safely, maintain full control over color and detail, and create aesthetic images that strengthen the studio’s visual identity. That’s why Newell offers a range of lights perfectly suited to the needs of professionals specializing in skin art, both during tattooing and in photographic sessions documenting the finished pieces.
What kind of light do you need in a tattoo studio?
According to the PN-EN 12464-1:2004 standard, the minimum illuminance for precision workstations should be 500 lux, with a color rendering index (CRI) of at least 90. Good lighting should also be flicker-free and highly adjustable. But that’s just the theoretical baseline. Tattoo artists require higher-quality lighting tailored to their unique working conditions. Newell lamps like the Air 1100 or Isztar exceed these specifications with ease, offering CRI >95, strong flicker-free light, and a wide color temperature range from 3200 to 5600K. This allows for perfect light matching depending on skin tone, work stage, and ambient conditions.
Newell – Lighting that makes a difference
All Newell lamps use energy-efficient LEDs that produce minimal heat, an important factor in compact studio spaces. Models like the RL-18A or Isztar feature brightness control and intuitive operation, either manually or via remote. This makes it easy to adjust lighting without interrupting your session. Another bonus is the sturdy construction and built-in USB ports, letting you charge your phone directly from the lamp — a small but handy feature during long appointments for both artists and clients.
LED lamps for tattoo artists
Choosing the right lighting is foundational to the work of any professional tattoo artist. Good lighting boosts precision and safety during the tattoo process, and it also improves the quality of photos documenting the finished art. Below are some top Newell LED lamp models that perform exceptionally well in studio settings, from live sessions to final photography.
Newell Isztar – flexibility and precision
Two independently adjustable panels on flexible arms allow for perfect lighting on both sides of the client. Independent brightness and color temperature control for each panel lets you create tailored lighting setups — from working under the needle to photo documentation. Isztar is an all-in-one workstation combining functional and photographic lighting.
Newell RL-18A – Reliable ring light
A classic choice for tattooists who need even, shadow-free lighting to work with fine detail. The Newell RL-18A ring light performs well during outlining and in photography sessions, especially with black and gray tattoos. Adjustable color temperature (3200–5500 K) and a large light surface allow for precise lighting adapted to skin tone and working style.
Newell Arya RGB – Multi-faceted light
The Arya lamp combines powerful light output (40 W) with a full RGB color palette, making it great not just for work but especially for creative photography after the session. With 360 color options, your tattoo photos gain an artistic flair — no filters or additional effect lights needed.
Newell Zora 90 WB – Versatility and soft light
The powerful Zora 90 WB LED panel emits soft, even light across a wide temperature range (2700–6500 K). Compact yet powerful enough to illuminate the full working area. Also ideal as a side light for photo sessions — subtly shaping the tattoo’s texture and form without harsh contrasts.
Newell Rangha RGB – Creative photo accent
Rangha is a compact RGB light perfect for enhancing photo setups. Great for background accents or adding mood lighting to showcase finished tattoos. Despite its small size, it offers wide creative flexibility, especially useful for social media and aesthetic portfolio building.
How to light a tattoo workstation
A professional tattoo workstation requires even, directional light with high CRI to evaluate skin tones, ink colors, and saturation accurately. Optimal illuminance should be at least 500 lux directly over the client’s skin — best achieved with a main lamp and a fill light to eliminate shadows from hands or tools. Ring lights (like the Newell RL-18A) provide soft frontal lighting, while LED panels (like Newell Arya) can be angled for precision. The ideal color temperature is between 4000–5000 K — a neutral white that doesn’t distort color perception. Flicker-free light is critical for visual comfort during long sessions. Lighting should be adjustable in brightness and angle, with tripods allowing for precise placement relative to the bed and artist position.
Setup 1: For beginners and minimalists
Newell RL-18A ring light + Newell Zora 90 WB panel
A simple, effective setup. The RL-18A, placed frontally above the bed, delivers soft, shadowless light — perfect for contouring. The Zora 90 WB, angled at roughly 45° from the side, cancels shadows cast by the artist’s hand or machine. This configuration ensures even lighting and saves space in the studio.
Setup 2: For balance and ergonomics
Two Newell Zora 90 WB panels on each side
Two identical light sources placed symmetrically on the left and right of the tattoo station provide flexibility and comfort. You can direct the light precisely depending on the task, whether the client is lying down, sitting, or being rotated. Recommended color temperature: 4500–5000 K.
Setup 3: For advanced users and photography
Newell Arya RGB panel + Newell Zora 90 WB
The Zora 90 WB serves as the main neutral, high-CRI work light. Arya RGB functions as an accent light, used after tattooing for creative photography. RGB lighting in the background helps build the photo mood quickly — no extra filters or reflectors needed.
Setup 4: All-In-One with Newell Isztar
Newell Isztar as a standalone lighting solution
Isztar is an all-in-one solution, perfect for compact professional workspaces. Two independently adjustable panels on flexible arms allow lighting the client’s body from both sides, eliminating shadows and improving comfort. Each panel has separate brightness and temperature control for better control over image depth. It also includes a smartphone holder and USB port, making it practical for photography too. One of the most ergonomic and mobile setups available.
Workstation lighting vs. Tattoo photography — Key differences
Though both require light, their goals differ. Workstation lighting ensures comfort and precision — it should be even, neutral (approx. 4500–5000 K), eye-safe, and flicker-free. Ergonomics matter too — lamps must be easy to move, not overheat, and stay out of the artist’s way. Photography lighting follows different rules: it should sculpt the tattoo, highlight its texture and colors, and complement the background. Here, additional light sources, warmer or cooler tones, and effects (e.g., RGB lamps) come into play, which would be impractical while tattooing. That’s why it makes sense to separate the two modes by using dedicated lights or easily switchable setups.
How to light a tattoo for photography
Photographing a fresh tattoo calls for a different approach than workspace lighting. Key elements include directional, soft lighting that enhances shape, texture, and depth without causing unwanted glare or overexposure. The best effect comes from angled lighting, such as a side or overhead LED panel placed off the camera axis. Use a high-CRI light source (min. 95), ideally with a neutral or slightly warm color temperature (approx. 4000–4500 K) to preserve true ink colors. For color tattoos, even lighting is critical — consider a second, softer fill light to balance shadows. Creative sessions benefit from accent lights — e.g., RGB from the side or background — to enhance visual storytelling for social media. Avoid direct flash or skin reflections — use a diffuser or increase lamp distance if needed.
Need help choosing the right lighting? We’re here for you!
Every tattoo studio is different — that’s why choosing the perfect lighting should reflect your working style and studio layout. Whether you’re looking for a universal lamp for daily sessions or a full setup for creative photo work, we’ll help you find the right solution. Get in touch on Instagram or Facebook — together we’ll build a lighting setup that enhances both your workflow and your art.
