Light modifier guide
Softboxes
Softboxes are the most popular modifiers when wanting to create a soft and even light. And there is a softbox for every occasion. The range starts from the smallest at 1x1,3’ with the largest at 4x6’. It’s worth keeping in mind that the larger the light source (softbox) and the closer to the light source to the subject, the softer the light will be. Besides the variety in size, you can also choose between a number of different shapes (rectangular, square, octa and strip) and between the different softbox lines below.
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are the backbone of many photographers’ toolboxes, understandably so, because they are easy to work with and ideal to bring on location. They come in two lines. The Umbrella Deep, ideal when you want to control the light more precisely, and the Umbrella Shallow that are perfect for wide and even light spread.
Which size and fabric should you get?
The umbrellas comes in sizes from 85 cm to 165 cm. The size affects the softness and spread of light. Think of it like this – the larger the umbrella the softer the light will be. When it comes to fabric, the Silver creates a very crisp, direct light with more contrast and a high light output, a little like the light you’d get from a hard reflector. The White reflects a more natural, softer light. The shoot-through umbrellas (translucent) are used to shoot light through and they diffuse and soften the light by reducing contrast. Translucent umbrellas are perfect to create soft light when you’re very close to your subject.
Beauty dishes
The clue is in the name – beauty dish. That’s because the unique light it creates, is perfectly suited to bring out the beauty of the subject. Creamy, yet crisp light that feels completely natural makes these modifiers ideal for people photography. The resulting effect is a pristine, natural look with slightly accentuated shadows. The white version delivers a softer and slightly more even light than its silver counterpart that brings more punch and contrast.
Gels
With several different uses, gels are a great aid to your creativity. Color correction allows you to blend your flash in a natural way with the ambient light, for example warm colored interior lights. Or you can create a whole array of color based special effects with gels. Whatever type of gel you choose; it’ s a great addition that will quickly and easily inject color and creativity into a shoot.
Hard reflectors
The name “hard reflectors” reveals two important characteristics of these light modifiers. As the name suggests, the reflectors themselves are hard – coated with high-quality metal and extremely durable. Secondly, they tend to create a harder light with a more distinct fall off than, for instance, a softbox or an umbrella. With some of our hard reflectors, the light output can be increased with up to two f-stops. Creatively they help you alter the contrast and the mood of your images by creating a number of lighting effects from direct, focused light with a distinct fall-off to a wider more even light spread across the image area. Their versatility makes them an essential light modifier.
Grids
Grids are easy to use accessories designed to control the light spread and to bring contrast and drama to the final image. And here the word “control” really is key. With a grid attached it’s easy to control and focus the light where you want it, while limiting the light spillage in order areas of the image. It simply adds control to light shaping. We have many different types and sizes of grids to help you achieve the control you need, but ultimately they fit into two specific types: Honeycomb Grids and Softgrids.
Barndoors
Barndoors enable you to control and shape the light spread precisely without changing its characteristics. You can adjust and rotate them individually 360° on the flash head, giving you an almost infinite number of options. This allows you to create an asymmetric light spread. For instance, you may want a sharp fall-off on one side and a soft, graduated fall-off on the other.
Snoot
Unlike most hard reflectors, the snoot has a black, non-reflective inside and a lot of angled corners designed to prevent the light from bouncing around it. Snoots reduce the light spread dramatically to create a crisp, direct light with almost no spill light and a beautiful, round shape.
Collapsible reflectors
Collapsible reflectors probably represent light shaping in its most uncomplicated form. They are easy to use, easy to carry and can be used for bouncing or diffusing sunlight as well as flash. Each reflector has its own character and shape, given you a unique solution for each lighting situation you’re put into.
Check out all collapsible reflectors