The Best Shots Are Not Possible Without Light Modifiers.
Have you ever wondered how the images we capture can look so different even when they are taken in the same setting or with the same subject? Here’s a simple answer for that: light modifications.
Lighting is a variable that not only allows us to see our subject clearly, but it is also one that gives it shape in our cameras. In turn, to be able to manipulate it is also to enhance the various moods intended and construct an experience for those who are admiring your shots. It is how most people might find softly lit images much more appealing due to their comforting presence. It is also how a few might get drawn to ones full of casted shadows due to the possible stories behind this perceived mystery.
However, to solely position and cast lighting into your frame is not going to allow you to craft these possibilities and make your works stand out. One key role plays in the background of achieving your desired lighting manipulation. So, what then, is this significant supporting character that all photographers and videographers should start taking notes on? I introduce to you, light modifiers.
What are light modifiers?
Light modifiers are non-electrical supporting applicants that can take various shapes and forms, from fitted enclosures to wide and flat surfaces. They are often placed between the light source and the subject, so as to alter or control the light for creative or quality-based choices in both photography and videography.
What are light modifiers commonly used for?
Where lighting is an effective and widely-used tool to manipulate and direct specific moods and looks in the images we capture, its modifiers play the role in enhancing them and simply making these constructions a lot easier and closer to your desired results.
Similar to how filters are to cameras, light modifiers can help soften or harshen the light shone and directed, depending on their individual materials and functions. Additionally, they can also replicate specific lighting looks for dramatic effects or to create context within the shot.
To put it simply, in the dish that is lighting, these modifiers are in charge of its flavors.
Types of light modifiers
It is important to note that there are many different kinds of light modifiers in the market right now, all equipped for different functions and situations. However, to avoid a tremendously long list and an overload of information, I have narrowed them down to 5. Ranging across effects and uses of all spectrums, here are 5 of the most recognized and effective light modifiers.
1. The Umbrella
Literally shaped to look like an umbrella, this light modifier uses its wide surface area to soften the light shone onto it. Altogether, there are two kinds of photography umbrellas, one for diffusion and the other for reflection. Though equipped with a similar function to sparse out light over a large area, these two modifiers are, however, used completely differently.
The diffusion umbrella is often placed in between the light source and the subject, softening the illumination by lessening its concentration through well, the process of diffusion. On the other hand, the reflective umbrella is positioned away from the subject, where the light source is bounced off the modifier’s surface instead, and thereby lowering the intensity before reaching its directed spot.
Umbrellas are most commonly found in studio photography settings due to their ability to construct flattering and pleasant looks on most surfaces and skin types. Its wide stretched-out design also results in it being able to create abundant light by spreading it everywhere, making it a great support for your works that might require even and flat lighting, or when looking to brighten up large spaces.
In terms of affordability, these umbrellas are considered one of the cheapest light modifiers and are one of the best choices for those starting out in photography. Moreover, they are also as easy to carry around as they are to set up. Comparing these modifiers to learning how to cycle, Gina Milicia from Digital Photography School recommends:
“Use them as a learning tool until you get your balance, then move on to a better bike.”
2. The Softbox
Softboxes are box-like enclosures fitted around a light source to diffuse and soften the illumination. A modifier similar to photography umbrellas, softboxes also creates images that are much easier to look at and more appealing to the human eye due to the soft light produced.
However, where umbrellas range between its two uses and types, softboxes carry options in its various shapes, allowing you to alternate between differently shaped designs, from squares to octagons. In turn, they also allow lighting that is easier to tailor, where larger boxes will result in softer lights.
Being better to control when it comes to light spill and direction, softboxes are widely used to replicate the specific look and style for the context within a shot. They can also result in subtler-looking lighting changes and effects. Take for example, you might require some daylight in your indoor setting to show the time of day. Or you might only want a specific part to have softer light in a moody constructed frame. Softboxes are going to be a great help for that.
Where they might triumph in its better and easier control, softboxes fall in the relatively costlier side of the price spectrum. Moreover, with all sorts of shapes sold in the market, stopping at purchasing just one of these light modifiers might not be as satisfying for yourself and your desired results.
As such, they are much better picks for those who are already familiar with photography and videography, and are looking into experimenting or creating even more improved works.
3. Barn Doors
Before you ask, these light modifiers are a far stretch from the doors that you might see on a farm. However, they are as described best by Nick Fancher from PetaPixel:
Barn doors are metal flaps that can open and close, covering the left, right, top, and bottom of the light…It’s the tool you need when you want to create a narrow line of light, either vertical or horizontal.
As you might have imagined, you control your light by closing these doors. It’s simple: the narrower the opening, the harsher the light.
With the wideness of opening and closing these doors entirely up to you, barn doors are extremely flexible in terms of manipulating the light design. They are especially effective to create harsh top-down lighting and direct shadows onto the subject, or any particular spot that you might be targeting. For instance, if you are intending to cast shadows onto a part of your character’s face, you simply have to inch or close the doors to restrict more light from coming out.
As a result, these light modifiers play a great part in creating much more dimensional and textured looks as compared to the even and flat ones the previous 2 modifiers champion in.
Barn doors are relatively affordable and with the exception of LEDs, are likely to have already come with the studio lights itself. They are also extremely light and easy to set up, with simply the need to attach or detach its two or four doors. Although largely restricted to studio lighting uses, barn doors are fuss-free and customizable. They are best paired with anyone who has an interest in experimenting with the lighting they have on hand.
4. Grids
A light modifier that rarely comes alone, grids are honeycomb-patterned fabrics that are attached to other modifiers to lessen the width of directed light rays with its holes, and in turn, creating a narrower and harsher beam of light.
With the ability to change and harshen the light on a specific subject without affecting the background, grids are optimal choices for beauty shots and character-centered images. That said, the spotlight-like effect resulted from its holed-patterns also makes grids an extremely effective tool to create moodier or darker atmospheres. A great example of that would be the lighting used in noir settings.
Around $50 apiece, grids are relatively affordable, considering that it could be used with any lighting modifier. Additionally, they are also extremely portable and are fabrics that can be folded and stored easily. Though not as customizable as barn doors, these modifiers are a recommended choice for professionals who might want textbook control on lighting, where only chosen specific areas would be affected.
5. Gels
Where the previous 4 modifiers were looking at the intensity of the light, gels are thin-like materials that cater more toward changing the color of a shot. Often placed over lights, these colored modifiers are quite possibly one of the most viable determiners in constructing the creative aspects of an image.
With its primary function to affect a picture’s color, gels are commonly used to describe the mood and story in these images and are often utilized best in dramatic shoots or those that might require context.
A simple example would be how orange or yellow color tones are commonly associated with warmer or cozier moments, like a fireplace or a day in fall. On the contrary, blue or grey gels are more likely to create emotionally colder and distanced depictions that are normally linked to storms or winter.
Layering gels atop each other will also create much more concentrated colors in the lighting produced and will result in looks that are much more directed toward the selected hue.
Considered one of the cheapest alternatives for executing various creative choices, gels are a very popular choice amongst those who like to experiment with the tones, highlights, and overall, the mood of their pictures. These light modifiers are also very light and extremely easy to carry around since they can be cut or folded into smaller pieces. It is important, however, to note that pegs or clips are also required when it comes to attaching your gels onto the light source.
Why should I get a light modifier?
Ultimately, what boils down to the best uses of a light modifier is it being a great chance and tool to experiment with, whether it is for your indoor or outdoor shoot. These supporting tools are ones that would create range and dynamic in your images despite how similar your chosen subjects and angles are.
When you use a light modifier, you are manipulating your constructed lighting to create multiple results even when out of the minimal.
Conclusion
The use of lighting within the world of photography and videography is an intimidating one, much less to mention the inclusion of more gadgets and modifiers.
However, I hope that this general introduction of light modifiers might make these fears and confusion less apparent, and perhaps even open doors to your own experimentation. After all, trying the different with your photography and videography is also a dive into the fun.
My name is James, Content Creator, Professional Food Photographer, and Entrepreneur passionate about sharing tips and tricks within media topics.
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