Light Modifiers

If you go to a photography store website you will discover that there all kinds of devices available to modify light in one way or another. You really don’t need to spend any time researching all of these. Light modifiers come in three basic categories:

Reflectors
Diffusers
Gobos

You have seen reflectors, I am sure. Sometimes you see them used on television, or perhaps you have been to a portrait studio, and sometimes even in mega store or mall photo shops.

Many times they look like an umbrella, other times they look like the same material you see on space vehicles. No matter, they all serve the same purpose: to reflect light.

You will recall we discussed bouncing flash off of a neutral surface like a wall or the ceiling when we need fill flash to fill in the dark background behind our subject. White walls make great reflectors, or commercial reflectors you set up or have an assistant hold.

Using Sheets As A Reflector In Child Photography

As you think about it you will realize reflectors are everywhere. For example, in the picture on the right you see a small child under a blanket on some sheets. In this case the sheets serve as a reflector.

Diffusers, on the other hand, are used to spread out the light that is shining on your subject. If you find yourself faced with a harsh light situation you can use a diffuser to soften the light. There are commercial diffusers, but you could use something else like translucent drapes or a white sheet between the light source and your subject.

If you are using flash, you can put a diffuser on your flash unit itself, or you could purchase a diffuser from your local photo store. In any case, a diffuser does exactly what it sounds like – it diffuses the light.

Gobos are used to block the light altogether. You place a gobo between the light source and the subject in order to completely block out the light source. Sometimes commercial reflectors will have a gobo, or black side, on the reverse side of the reflector.

When would you use a gobo? When there is too much light on your subject, or when you want to create a mood, or perhaps a halo around the head of your subject. Blocking the light from one side of your subject can also create that Rembrandt-like look.

Again, as you learn more and more about light your photography will improve and you will begin to create some rather stunning images. So study the light, learn the light, make the light your friend!

Remember, keep taking lots and lots of photographs of your kids. You will be glad you did!

Betty Muscott, Child Photographer

About Betty Muscott

Betty A. Muscott is an experienced child photographer and online entrepreneur for tools to capture great photographs of children by parents and grandparents. Connect with Betty on Google+

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