What's the difference between a grid and a snoot - and how to use them | Profoto (SE)

What's the difference between a grid and a snoot - and how to use them

03 July, 2020

Written by: Profoto

Fashion photographer Lindsay Adler is often asked what the difference between a grid and snoot is. They are both used to control the spread of the light from the flash, but the edge of the light can be quite different. Here are Lindsay's tips on how to use them together at a fashion shoot.

What's the difference between a snoot and a grid?

A snoot gives a harder, more defined edge which is useful when you want a tight beam of light and a rapid fall-off of light. 

The grid provides a smoother, more gradual gradient of light. Grids come in varying degrees that determine the size of the spread of the light - the larger the number of the grid, the larger the spread of the light. 

Light spread from snoot (left) and grid (right)

The steps Lindsay Adler took to create this image

Step 1: Place an OCF II Snoot on a Profoto B10 Plus, and direct it towards the model's face for a tight beam of light.

Step 2: Add an OCF II Grid 20° stacked with a blue OCF II Gel on a Profoto B10 Plus on the background light to create a gradient of light behind the subject.

Step 3: Place another blue OCF II Gel on a Profoto B10, using the OCF II Grid & Gel Holder, to fill in the shadows with a bit of color.  

Tips
Adding color gels can be an efficient way to accentuate the shadows and creatively separate your subject from the background. 

Written by: Profoto

Products used in this story

OCF II Barndoor

Shape light with precision.
1 803,20 kr

OCF II Snoot

Reduce light spread and create crisp direct light.
899,20 kr

OCF II Gels

Be creative with color.
From 599,20 kr

Air Remote TTL

Wirelessly connects your AirTTL light with your camera
From 1 996 kr