Why Light Modifiers?
A photographic flash is a small, high intensity
source of light which produces generally harsh, unattractive shadows.
The quality of this light has been a concern to photographers since
the introduction of the flash. Over the last two decades, LumiQuest
has developed the most effective and comprehensive line of photographic
flash accessories in the world.
Selecting A Small Light Modifier
The most important criteria for evaluating
and selecting small light modifiers is LOGIC
Hype and hope do not modify light...light is predictable, it’s
behavior is consistent with the laws of physics. It is relatively
easy to determine where the light is going and how it has been modified
when it reaches the subject.
The overwhelming factor determining the “softness” of
a shadow is the SIZE of the light source. All things being equal,
the larger the light source, the softer the shadows.
If you refract
the light through a translucent material, creating a larger light source,
the SIZE of that light source will determine the “softness” of
the shadows. (i.e. softboxes and shoot-through umbrellas).
If
you bounce the light off a nearby surface, that surface becomes the new
light source. Select bounce surfaces and flash direction remembering
that the angle of incidence equals the angle of
reflection. Once again,
it is the SIZE of
that new light source that determines the “softness” of the
shadows (i.e. bounce cards, walls, ceilings and umbrellas).
Small light modifiers
represent an improvement over direct flash, they bridge the gap between
direct flash and studio set-ups and are often the best alternative
on location, but they are not intended to replace larger studio equipment. However,
when used in conjunction with “found” surfaces
on location such as nearby walls and ceilings...the possibilities
are endless.
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