How Light Modifiers Work

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.