It’s easy to get caught up in what equipment to invest in or even use but instead of buying extra, how about tapping into the gear you already have mixed with the materials you’re already surrounded by? Holidays just passed and we all have a ton of gift aftermath lying around, from gift bags to the tissue paper jammed in them, so before you toss all of that out, how about we have some fun with it and just see how you can use it to transform your shoot?
Is this a permanent addition to your kit? No way. But the knowledge and experience you gain from using DIY materials is an added asset to your skill repertoire.
Being able to understand what your light is doing and how you can modify it to create better images can only add to your abilities when using legit gear, or just being able to add that extra something on the fly after you’ve already got the shots you needed.
Always keep in mind that taking the shot is always better than having no shot at all. So even if the images are just for fun, it’s OK to just have fun. If you’ve been curious about shooting with gels, here’s a way to see what colored lights actually do and how you can manage the saturations in camera with exposure ratios.
Maybe you’ve been shooting with umbrellas and wonder what shooting with a more directional light is like. Well, this can also mimic that idea with these makeshift “soft boxes” and you even have the option of a white tissue paper to keep it more of a true color shot. The isolated color of each light can also help you see exactly what each light pattern from each position is creating.
Seeing more literal patterns of light can help you understand patterns that you create with true color, light, and shadow. Notice the outlined bone structures the light frames out as it shifts to the next color which is also you next light position.
If you look past just making some wacky colors and see what the lights really telling you, this just-for-fun low-investment shot becomes a legitimate experience point. Start looking around you for what else you can use to modify light and that thought process alone will clean up your game. Keep in mind don’t ever use this type of set up on hot lights, or anything continuous. Keep the material from touching the lens of any flash system you’re using and always be safe. Use your head from all angels on this one.
For more of Seth’s photography tips, check him out on Instagram, @lastxwitness.
