How do you choose the best lighting modifiers and accessories?

1 Types of modifiers

Lighting modifiers are devices that attach to your light source, such as a flash or a strobe, and change the quality, direction, or color of the light. Common modifiers include softboxes, which diffuse the light and create a soft, even illumination that is ideal for portraits, product photography, and indoor scenes. Umbrellas have a curved shape and reflect the light instead of diffusing it, creating a broader, softer light that can cover a large area - perfect for group shots, outdoor portraits, and fill light. Reflectors are flat or curved surfaces that bounce the light back to your subject or scene - they can be used to fill in shadows, add highlights, or create contrast. Gels are colored filters that alter the color temperature or hue of the light - they can be used to correct color casts, create mood, or match the ambient light.

2 Factors to consider

When selecting lighting modifiers and accessories, you should factor in several elements, such as the size and shape of the modifier. A larger, softer modifier will produce a more diffuse and flattering light, while a smaller, harder modifier will create a more focused and harsh light. The distance and angle of the modifier also affect the intensity and direction of the light, along with the perspective and depth of your image. Additionally, using multiple modifiers can give you more control over the lighting. You can create various lighting patterns with different ratios of modifiers to achieve different levels of contrast and drama in your image.

3 Tips for using modifiers

To use lighting modifiers and accessories effectively, it's important to experiment and practice with different combinations and settings. Consider using a light meter or histogram to measure and adjust the exposure of your image, or the flash exposure compensation (FEC) function on your camera or flash to fine-tune the output of your light source. Additionally, a light stand or tripod can be used to mount your modifier and keep it stable and consistent. For more flexibility and creativity, you can use a boom arm or bracket to extend or tilt your modifier. A wireless trigger or sync cable will allow you to fire your flash or strobe remotely, while a modeling light or flashlight can be used to preview the effect of your modifier before taking the shot - helping you visualize the shape, direction, and quality of the light so you can make any adjustments as needed.

4 Examples of modifiers

If you're looking for some inspiration and ideas for how to use lighting modifiers and accessories, here are some examples for different scenarios and genres. For a classic portrait, you can use a large softbox as the main light at a 45-degree angle for a soft, flattering light that wraps around the face. A reflector or umbrella can be used as a fill light on the opposite side of the main light, at a lower power, to fill in shadows and balance the exposure of the face. For a dramatic portrait, opt for a small softbox or grid as the main light at a 90-degree angle to create strong shadows and highlights on the face. You can also add some separation and interest with a rim light or gel. For product shots, two softboxes or umbrellas at a 45-degree angle will create an even light to show product details and colors while minimizing reflections and glare. A reflector or white card can be used to bounce some light back to the front of the product and create a highlight or catchlight. When shooting landscapes, you can use gels or filters to change the color or mood of the sky or scene; flashes or strobes to add light to the foreground; and reflectors or diffusers to modify natural light.

5 Benefits of modifiers

Lighting modifiers and accessories can be incredibly beneficial to photographers looking to improve their skills and creativity. By controlling and shaping the light, photographers can overcome challenging lighting situations, such as low light, mixed light, or harsh light. Additionally, they can create different effects and moods in their images, like soft, dramatic, colorful, or natural. Modifiers and accessories also help enhance the features and qualities of a subject or scene, such as texture, shape, color, or emotion. Finally, they can add some variety and interest to your images to make them stand out from the crowd.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?