How Light Modifiers Work
The most important criteria for evaluating and selecting small light
modifiers is LOGIC. It is important, and relatively simple, to understand
how the light is being modified and how it is affecting the scene being
photographed.
A primary objective in modifying the light from a photographic flash is to soften the shadows. The overwhelming factor determining the “softness” of a shadow is the SIZE of the light source. All things being equal including the light to subject distance, the larger the light source, the softer the shadows. Since the photographic flash is a SMALL, high intensity source of light, it produces generally harsh, unattractive shadows.
Light modifiers soften shadows by either refracting the light through
a translucent material or bouncing the light off another surface, or some combination of the two.If you refract the light through
a translucent material, that material
becomes the new and 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 and larger 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).
ENLARGING THE LIGHT softens shadows
because a larger light source
produces a more gradual transition
between deep shadow and full illumination.
THE most common misconception is that spreading the light over a wider area will soften the shadows. This is NOT the case. You must actually enlarge the light source to soften the shadows.
| Small Light Source |  |
| Medium Light Source |  |
| Large Light Source |  |
If the photographer can enlarge the light source and have it coming
from a more natural direction, it will be a significant
improvement over direct flash.
All of our bounce and diffusion
devices enlarge the light source and,
at least to some degree,
move it farther from the camera.
Our 80-20 incorporates ceiling bounce
into the process by bouncing 80% of the light off the ceiling which
becomes a new, larger light source coming from a more natural direction.
The 20% fill is then directed back into the subject to help fill shadows
cast by the ceiling bounce. Obviously it would be pointless to use
the 80-20 without a ceiling since 80% of the light would be lost rather
than bounced back into the frame.
Accessories such as our UltraBounce
are not shadow softening devices
themselves since they are not materially larger than the flash itself.
These accessories are actually light distribution devices. By spreading
the light over 180° it can be bounced back into the frame by nearby
walls and ceilings. In relatively small rooms they are very effective
at providing soft, even illumination. However, if used in large rooms
or outdoors they have virtually no impact on shadow softness. Obviously
it is pointless to illuminate 100° more than you are photographing
if there are no surfaces to bounce the light back into the frame.
| Spreading the light wider than the scene being photographed results in SUBSTANTIAL light loss |  |
|
| UNLESS | ||
| There are nearby surfaces (walls/ceiling) to bounce the light back into the scene. |  |
The key is to use the right accessory for the situation and objective. Keep in mind that this is not magic; the road to softer more natural light is a larger light source coming from a more natural direction.
For over 20 years LumiQuest has offered accessories of a variety of sizes to suit your needs. LumiQuest light modifiers are not intended to replace larger umbrellas and softboxes. They do, however, bridge the gap between those devices and direct flash, especially when portability is a priority. However, when used in conjunction with “found” surfaces on location such as nearby walls and ceilings...the possibilities are endless. Our devices fold flat for storage and are designed to minimize light loss. We have always offered and will continue to offer an unconditional guarantee. If you are not entirely satisfied with a LumiQuest product, simply return it for replacement or refund. Yes, that’s how well they work.
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Our most popular models.
