Continuous or Strobe Lighting for Stop Motion Animation | What’s Better?

by kim Updated: April 21, 2023

Stop motion animation is a fun hobby for many people, but it can be quite challenging too. One of the most important aspects is the lighting.

Professional animators use continuous as well as strobe lighting, depending on the type of animation and scene. 

Should you use continuous lighting or strobe lighting? 

Well, it depends on the project. Continuous lighting provides a constant light source, making it easier to control shadows and highlights. Strobes create dramatic effects and can freeze motion, perfect for fast-paced scenes.

In this article, I’ll explain the differences and when to use each type of lighting to create high-quality stop motion animations. 

What is continuous lighting?

Continuous light is a type of lighting used in stop motion animation that provides a constant source of light during the entire animation process. 

This type of lighting can be achieved through various sources such as lamps, LED lights, or fluorescent lights.

Continuous light is particularly useful for capturing consistent lighting throughout the animation process, which is essential to avoid abrupt changes in lighting that could affect the overall quality of the animation. 

It can also be beneficial for capturing smooth and slow movements.

However, one drawback of continuous lighting is that it can generate heat and cause motion blur, which can be problematic during long animation sessions or when trying to capture fast movements.

In summary, continuous light is a type of lighting that provides a constant source of light during the entire stop motion animation process. 

It is beneficial for capturing consistent lighting and smooth movements but may cause heat and motion blur in certain situations.

What is strobe lighting?

Strobe lighting is a type of lighting used in stop motion animation that provides brief, intense bursts of light. 

This type of lighting can be achieved through various sources, such as strobe lights or flash units.

Strobe lighting is particularly useful for capturing sharp and crisp images, especially when the subject is moving quickly. 

The quick burst of light freezes the motion and eliminates motion blur, resulting in a more defined and clear image. 

Additionally, strobe lighting is more energy-efficient and generates less heat than continuous lighting, making it a good option for longer animation sessions.

However, one drawback of strobe lighting is that it can create unwanted shadows and uneven lighting, especially when the subject moves quickly.

It can also be challenging to work with for certain animation techniques, such as slow-motion animation.

In summary, strobe lighting is a type of lighting that provides brief, intense bursts of light in stop motion animation. 

It is useful for capturing sharp and crisp images of fast-moving subjects.

It is also more energy-efficient than continuous lighting, but may create unwanted shadows and uneven lighting in certain situations.

Some of the lighting principles behind strobe lights are explained here:

Continuous vs strobe lighting: main differences

Let’s take a look at the main differences between strobe and continuous lighting for stop motion:

Continuous vs strobe lighting for stop motion: which to choose?

When I first started dabbling in stop motion animation, I faced the age-old question: continuous or strobe lighting? 

When it comes to stop motion animation, choosing between continuous lighting and strobe lighting depends on various factors, such as the type of animation, the desired effect, and personal preferences.

Both have their merits, but ultimately, it depends on your specific needs and preferences.

The truth is that most animators will use a combination of strobe and continuous lighting for their projects.

In short, continuous lighting provides a constant, steady light source, making it easier to see and control the shadows and highlights on your subjects. 

Strobe lighting, on the other hand, produces short bursts of light, which can create more dramatic and professional-quality effects.

Continuous lighting provides a constant source of light, which can help ensure consistent lighting throughout the animation process. 

It is also useful for capturing smooth movements and situations where the subject moves slowly. 

However, continuous lighting can also create motion blur and heat, which can be problematic during long animation sessions.

Strobe lighting, on the other hand, provides brief, intense bursts of light. This can be useful for freezing motion and capturing sharp, crisp images. 

Strobe lighting is also more energy-efficient and generates less heat than continuous lighting, making it a good option for longer animation sessions. 

However, strobe lighting can be challenging to work with when the subject is moving quickly, as it can create unwanted shadows and uneven lighting.

Ultimately, the choice between continuous and strobe lighting will depend on the specific requirements of the animation project. 

It may be helpful to experiment with both types of lighting to determine which one works best for the desired effect.

So, before you select a light source, experimenting is always a good idea, and here are some things to consider:

• Consider the size of your set: Smaller sets, like those used for tabletop animations, may benefit from continuous lighting or even a simple desk lamp. Larger sets, on the other hand, may require more powerful lights or a combination of different types to achieve the desired effect.
• Think about the mood and tone of your animation: The lighting you choose can significantly impact the atmosphere of your project. For example, a dramatic, moody scene might call for more shadows and contrast, while a bright, cheerful scene may require softer, more diffused lighting.
• Don’t forget about practicality: While it’s essential to prioritize the artistic aspects of your lighting choices, it’s also crucial to consider practical factors like cost, ease of setup, and the availability of replacement bulbs or parts.

When to use continuous lighting

Here are some situations in stop motion animation where continuous lighting could be beneficial:

1. To maintain consistent lighting: Continuous lighting provides a constant source of light, making it useful for ensuring consistent lighting throughout the animation process.
2. To capture slow movements: Continuous lighting can be beneficial for capturing slow movements, as it helps to avoid motion blur that may be caused by strobe lighting.
3. To create a specific atmosphere: Continuous lighting can be used to create a particular mood or atmosphere, such as soft lighting for a romantic scene or harsh lighting for a suspenseful scene.
4. To provide a reference for the animator: Continuous lighting can be useful as a reference for the animator to see how the lighting will appear in the final animation.
5. To save on costs: Continuous lighting can be less expensive than strobe lighting, making it a good option for those on a tight budget.

Again, it’s important to note that the use of continuous lighting will depend on the specific requirements of the animation project and personal preferences. 

In some cases, strobe lighting or a combination of both may be more suitable for different parts of the animation.

When to use strobe lighting

Here are some situations in stop motion animation where strobe lighting could be beneficial:

1. To freeze motion: Strobe lighting can freeze motion, making it a great option for capturing fast-moving subjects such as sports or action sequences.
2. To capture detail: Strobe lighting can be used to capture fine details in the subject or set, resulting in a more defined and clear image.
3. To create a specific effect: Strobe lighting can be used to create a particular effect, such as simulating lightning or explosions.
4. To save time: Strobe lighting can be more time-efficient than continuous lighting, as it allows for quick bursts of light that can capture the desired image in fewer takes.
5. To reduce heat: Strobe lighting generates less heat than continuous lighting, making it a good option for longer animation sessions or in situations where heat may be problematic.

It’s important to note that the use of strobe lighting will depend on the specific requirements of the animation project and personal preferences. 

In some cases, continuous lighting may be more suitable, or a combination of both may be used for different parts of the animation.

Which lighting is used more often: continuous or strobe?

Both continuous and strobe lighting can be used in stop motion animation, and the choice between them will depend on the specific requirements of the project and personal preferences.

In general, continuous lighting is used more often in stop motion animation as it provides a constant source of light and can be easier to work with for slower movements. 

It also allows the animator to see how the lighting will appear in the final animation, which can be helpful for making adjustments throughout the process.

Generally, beginners are advised to use continuous lighting because there’s less chance of flicker, which can ruin your animation. 

However, strobe lighting is also used in stop motion animation, particularly when freezing motion is necessary or when creating a specific effect. 

Strobe lighting is more energy-efficient and generates less heat than continuous lighting, making it a good option for longer animation sessions.

Ultimately, the choice between continuous and strobe lighting will depend on the specific needs of the animation project.

It is not uncommon to use a combination of both types of lighting for different parts of the animation.

Pros and cons of continuous lighting for stop motion animation

Here are the pros and cons of using continuous lighting for stop motion animation:

Pros of continuous lighting

• Provides a constant source of light, which can help maintain consistent lighting throughout the animation process.
• Useful for capturing slow movements, as it helps avoid motion blur that may be caused by strobe lighting.
• Can be used to create a specific mood or atmosphere, such as soft lighting for a romantic scene or harsh lighting for a suspenseful scene.
• Can serve as a reference for the animator to see how the lighting will appear in the final animation.
• Can be less expensive than strobe lighting, making it a good option for those on a tight budget.

Cons of continuous lighting

• Can create motion blur with slower shutter speeds, which can be problematic in certain situations.
• Generates heat, which can be problematic during long animation sessions or in warm environments.
• May require longer exposure times and more takes to achieve the desired effect.
• Can create shadows and uneven lighting in certain situations.
• May not be suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects or creating specific effects that require freezing motion.

In summary, continuous lighting provides a constant source of light and can be useful for maintaining consistent lighting throughout the animation process, capturing slow movements, and creating a specific atmosphere. 

However, it may not be suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects or creating specific effects that require freezing motion.

It may also generate heat and create motion blur in certain situations.

Pros and cons of strobe lighting for stop motion animation

Here are the pros and cons of using strobe lighting for stop-motion animation:

Pros of strobe lighting

• Can freeze motion and eliminate motion blur, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
• More energy-efficient and generates less heat than continuous lighting, making it a good option for longer animation sessions.
• Can be used to create specific effects, such as simulating lightning or explosions.
• Allows for quick bursts of light, saving time during the animation process.
• Can be more suitable for capturing fine details in the subject or set.

Cons of strobe lighting

• Can create unwanted shadows and uneven lighting, especially when the subject is moving quickly.
• May be more expensive than continuous lighting.
• Can be challenging to work with for certain animation techniques, such as slow-motion animation.
• May not provide consistent lighting throughout the animation process.
• May not be suitable for creating a specific atmosphere or mood.

In summary, strobe lighting can freeze motion and eliminate motion blur, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, and is more energy-efficient than continuous lighting. 

However, it may create unwanted shadows and uneven lighting and may not be suitable for certain animation techniques.

It may also be more expensive and not provide consistent lighting throughout the animation process.

What are the best types of continuous light for stop motion?

The best types of continuous light for stop motion animation will depend on the specific needs of the project, but here are some popular options:

1. LED Lights: LED lights are becoming increasingly popular for stop motion animation due to their low power consumption, cool operating temperature, and long lifespan. They also come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and color temperatures to suit different needs.
2. Fluorescent lights: Fluorescent lights are another popular option for stop motion animation due to their energy efficiency and cool operating temperature. They are also available in a range of color temperatures and can provide consistent lighting throughout the animation process.
3. Tungsten lights: Tungsten lights are a traditional option for stop motion animation and can provide a warm, natural-looking light. However, they can generate heat and consume more energy than LED or fluorescent lights.
4. Daylight-balanced lights: Daylight-balanced lights provide a neutral color temperature that closely resembles natural daylight. They are useful for capturing colors accurately and can be used in combination with other lighting sources to achieve a specific effect.

Ultimately, the choice of the best type of continuous light will depend on the specific needs of the animation project, such as the desired effect, budget, and personal preferences. 

It’s important to consider factors such as color temperature, energy efficiency, and operating temperature when selecting a continuous light for stop motion animation.

What are the best types of strobe lights for stop motion?

The best types of strobe lights for stop motion animation will depend on the specific needs of the project, but here are some popular options:

1. Flash units: Flash units are a common option for stop motion animation as they provide powerful bursts of light and can freeze motion effectively. They are also available in a range of sizes and power levels to suit different needs.
2. Strobe lights: Strobe lights are specifically designed to provide short, intense bursts of light and can be used for stop motion animation to freeze motion and eliminate motion blur. They are available in various sizes and power levels and can be adjusted to provide different effects.
3. LED strobe lights: LED strobe lights are becoming more popular for stop motion animation due to their low power consumption and cool operating temperature. They can also provide a range of colors and effects, making them a versatile option for creating different moods or atmospheres.
4. Studio strobe lights: Studio strobe lights are another option for stop motion animation, and they are available in a range of sizes and power levels. They can provide consistent lighting throughout the animation process and can be used in combination with other lighting sources to achieve a specific effect.

The choice of the best type of strobe light will depend on the specific needs of the animation project, such as the desired effect, budget, and personal preferences. 

It’s important to consider factors such as power output, color temperature, and operating temperature when selecting a strobe light for stop motion animation.

How to set up continuous lighting for stop motion animation

Alright, folks, listen up! If you want to create some killer stop motion animation, you’ll need some good lighting.

And not just any lighting, but continuous lighting. 

So, how do you set that up? 

Well, first off, you’re gonna need two lamps. One will be your key light, which is your main light source that illuminates your subject.

The other will be your background light, which illuminates the background of your scene. 

Now, to reduce any pesky shadows, make sure your key light is positioned at a 45-degree angle to your subject.

And don’t forget to adjust the height and distance of your lamps to get the perfect lighting. 

But wait, there’s more!

If you really want to take your lighting game to the next level, consider investing in lighting control equipment like stands, backdrops, and tents.

And don’t forget about accessories like gels, grids, and diffusers to really fine-tune your lighting. 

With some basic lighting setup and a little bit of know-how, you’ll be well on your way to creating some amazing stop motion animation.

How to set up strobe lighting for stop motion

So, you want to make a stop motion video, and you’re wondering how to set up strobe lighting to make it look amazing?

Well, first of all, let’s talk about why you might want to use strobe lighting in the first place. 

Strobe lighting is great for stop motion because it allows you to freeze the action and capture each frame with precision.

Plus, it can create some really cool effects that you just can’t get with continuous lighting.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of setting up strobe lighting for stop motion. The first thing you need to do is figure out how many strobes you need. 

This will depend on the size of your set and how many different angles you want to shoot from.

Generally, you’ll want at least two strobes, one on either side of the set, to create even lighting.

Next, you need to position the strobes. You want them to be angled slightly towards the set so that they create a nice, even light. 

You also want to make sure that they’re not too close to the set, as this can create harsh shadows. Play around with the positioning until you get the look you want.

Once you have your strobes positioned, it’s time to start taking some test shots. Make sure you’re shooting in manual mode so that you can control the exposure. 

You’ll want to start with a low ISO and a slow shutter speed, around 1/60th of a second. Then, adjust the aperture until you get the right exposure.

Finally, don’t forget to have fun with it! Experiment with different angles, lighting setups, and effects to create a truly unique stop motion video.

And remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity shine!

Conclusion

In conclusion, both strobe lights and continuous lighting have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to stop motion animation. 

Strobe lights are ideal for freezing motion and capturing sharp, crisp images of fast-moving subjects, while continuous lighting provides a constant source of light and is useful for maintaining consistent lighting throughout the animation process.

Strobe lighting is more energy-efficient and generates less heat than continuous lighting, making it a good option for longer animation sessions. 

However, strobe lighting can create unwanted shadows and uneven lighting in certain situations and can be challenging to work with for certain animation techniques.

Continuous lighting, on the other hand, can create motion blur with slower shutter speeds and may generate heat during long animation sessions. 

However, it provides consistent lighting throughout the animation process and can be used to create a specific mood or atmosphere.

At the end of the day, the choice between strobe lights and continuous lighting will depend on the specific needs of the animation project, such as the desired effect, budget, and personal preferences.

It is not uncommon to use a combination of both types of lighting for different parts of the animation.

Next, let’s find out exactly what equipment you need for stop motion animation

Hi, I'm Kim, a mom and a stop-motion enthusiast with a background in media creation and web development. I've got a huge passion for drawing and animation, and now I'm diving headfirst into the stop-motion world. With my blog, I'm sharing my learnings with you guys.