Dynaphos Light Class 001: Basic Light Modifiers
In the first training video of the Dynaphos Light Class series, Milen Ivanov presents the basic light modifiers: Reflector, Reflective Umbrellas, and several Softboxes. The model in front of the camera is Krassimir Strugov, Dynaphos manager, whose task is to pose in the same way while we demonstrate how, in the studio, a shot with one model can look different simply due to the different modifier the photographer chooses.
Without a modifier, the lighting is quite harsh and uncontrolled, scattering in all directions. With the 18 cm Reflector, which is very often included in continuous and strobe lighting kits, the light is sharp. Its impact on the background is much more limited, but not entirely, as it would be if we used barndoors or a honeycomb grid. The video will clearly show you the differences if we add barndoors or a honeycomb grid.
With an Unfocused Spot, we expect to achieve drama in the shot, as this modifier maximally limits the spread of light outside the subject. If the spot is without a grid – the lighting is directional and contrasting. However, with a small grid in the front, we will get even more directional and controlled lighting for an even more dramatic effect.
The next most commonly used and accessible modifiers are Umbrellas – the white reflective umbrella with a black outer surface to prevent light leakage; the white diffusion and the silver reflective umbrella. With a White Reflective Umbrella, the light spread to the sides is soft, and the shadow is more diffused with a smoother transition.
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With a White Diffusion Umbrella, we observe a more diffused scene, almost everything is illuminated, we have a light and dark part, but the contrast is less noticeable or softer than what is achieved with reflectors. And with the Silver Reflective Umbrella, we observe a more intense "hit" of light. Here, the contrast appears greater and glare may even appear depending on the material, but this gives us a different shot than those with the previous two umbrellas.
In the video, you will also see the difference in the image with a mounted beauty dish, whose cap prevents direct illumination and provides something between harsh and soft light. Don't forget that you can buy a set of umbrellas to have exactly what you need for different photoshoots.
We also show the light when using different softboxes.
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The Rectangular Softbox measuring 60 by 90 is frequently used. With it, the light is soft, and the edge of the shadow is not as sharp. Overall - there is no glare. The Stripbox 35 by 140 is most often used for shooting full-body portraits and for sculpting volume. The character of the light with it is similar to that of the rectangular softbox.
The 80 cm Octagonal Softbox creates a smoother shadow and soft lighting. If we are looking for a rounder reflection in the pupil of the eye, for example, we choose exactly this softbox or a parabolic one. The 90 cm parabolic softbox is used for both close-up and wider shots, and the light from it is slightly more directed. With it, we get very soft lighting and the spill on the background seems a little more limited.
It's good to know that an additional grid can be added to almost any softbox. This helps us further control the light. This gives us greater creative possibilities. We can also add additional diffusion.
To visually see what we are describing in words, watch our video here, and you can also subscribe to our YouTube channel for more useful and interesting videos from the world of photo and video equipment. Write to us on our Facebook page about which products you would like to see in action up close. And look forward to the next Dynaphos Light Class.
