Every year, WPPI in Las Vegas brings together some of the best and brightest (pun absolutely intended) in the photo world. It’s a whirlwind of gear, workshops, networking, and wondering if you’ve had water or just coffee for the last 72 hours.

In between the madness of the show floor and back-to-back sessions, I found myself with a glorious 90-minute window of freedom—and a strong desire to test out the Westcott Ice Light 3 Bi-Color and the brand-new Ice Light 3 RGBW. Naturally, this impromptu moment turned into a spontaneous mini shoot with my friend Nikki Lister and the equally amazing Sydney Webb. Because what else would a sleep-deprived photographer do in Vegas if not create content with one of the coolest available lights out there.

Why the Ice Light 3?

Let’s be real: Vegas hotel rooms can be fancy but the light in them can be harsh enough to grill a steak or nonexistent unless you count neon coming in from the strip. I needed something portable, quick to set up, and capable of delivering soft, beautiful light in under a minute. Enter the Ice Light 3 Bi-Color and RGBW—two lights that are basically the photographic equivalent of having a personal lighting assistant… if that assistant was weightless, rechargeable, and didn’t require coffee breaks.

The Setup (aka: Like a Lighting Jedi)

No reflectors. One stand. No assistants but a couple of willing people to hold a light in place. Just me, the camera, and a Bi-Color on the stand while  my free hand had an RGBW in the other. I looked a bit like a futuristic street performer or a very enthusiastic Star Wars cosplayer. And here's the thing—it worked. Better than I expected.

What Surprised Me Most

• Ice Light 3 Bi-Color: This is the MVP of quick portrait lighting. With smooth dimming and beautiful skin tone rendering, it gave my subject a soft, even glow that looked like late-day sunlight. It’s flattering, fast, and easy to adjust on the fly.

• Ice Light 3 RGBW: This is where things got fun. Want to add some magenta pop to a bathroom tile wall? Done. Simulate the glow of a neon sign without needing to pay to shoot next to a real one? Easy. You can dial in color quickly and accurately, which made it great for adding a stylized look.

Both lights have intuitive controls, long-lasting batteries, and are lightweight enough to carry around for an hour without regretting your life choices.

Final Thoughts: Lighting Like a Pro (Even in a Hotel Suite)

Was it a full shoot? No. Was it planned? Absolutely not. But with the Ice Light 3 Bi-Color and RGBW, I was able to pull off a stylish, well-lit series of portraits in a matter of minutes—without ever leaving the suite. These lights are built for speed, style, and sketchy hotel wi-fi environments.

Whether you’re in a luxury suite or a no-frills room with questionable carpet patterns, the Ice Light 3s give you the power to create quality lighting on the fly. Perfect for travel, perfect for fighting Sith, and perfect for looking like a lighting wizard when you’re really just winging it with great gear.