I recently flew to Los Angeles, California, for an exciting shoot with composer, producer, and vocalist Becca Schack in her home studio. She wanted a unique, vibey-studio look with LED lights, so I knew lighting would be essential. Since I was traveling, I had to keep my gear minimal, but I packed my favorite SmallRig travel lights—compact, powerful, and perfect for creating the exact look she envisioned. The result was stunning: we achieved the moody, colorful vibe she was after, all thanks to having the right portable lighting setup on hand.


Why Travel Lights are Essential for Every Photographer

Lighting is everything in photography. It can make or break a shot, especially if you’re dealing with unpredictable conditions. Sure, natural light is great when it’s available, but anyone who’s shot outdoors or in tight spaces knows how unreliable it can be. That’s where travel lights come in! They give you the flexibility to work with controlled lighting anywhere, whether you’re shooting portraits in a dimly lit café or catching that golden-hour glow on a beach after the sun’s dipped a bit too low.


My Favorite SmallRig Travel Lights and Why They Rock

Besides my Westcott FJ80 Flash, I rely on SmallRig travel lights, and I’ll tell you why. Their lights are small, powerful, and incredibly adaptable, which is everything I need when I’m out in the field. Here are a few of my favorite models and why they’ve become my go-to lights:


SmallRig P96L LED Light Panel


Why Every Photographer Should Pack Travel Lights

If you’re still on the fence about bringing along travel lights, here are a few reasons that might convince you.


1. They Give You Creative Control

No more stressing about lighting conditions or waiting around for the perfect time of day. With portable lights, you can shape the scene exactly how you want, any time of day or night.

2. They’re Compact and Lightweight

SmallRig has perfected the balance between size and power, so these lights are easy to pack and don’t weigh down your kit. I’m constantly moving from location to location, so having gear that’s easy to carry is a game-changer.

3. Great for Any Style of Photography

Whether you’re a portrait photographer, product photographer, or landscape shooter, a good set of travel lights will make your work stand out. I’ve used my SmallRig lights for everything from food photography to street portraits to quick brand shoots, and they never let me down.

4. They Add a Professional Touch

Having control over your lighting can elevate your photos and make your work look polished. Plus, clients and collaborators can tell the difference when you’re able to light a scene well, even in less-than-ideal conditions.


Wrapping It Up: Why SmallRig Travel Lights Are My MVPs

So, if you’re looking to level up your photography game, consider adding some SmallRig travel lights to your setup. They’re reliable, powerful, and easy to bring along wherever your photography takes you. Plus, having that extra control over lighting opens up a world of creative possibilities you just can’t get from natural light alone.


Ready to take your photography to the next level? Pack a few travel lights and see what a difference it makes in your shots!