Day 3: Mastering Modifiers

Shaping Your Light

Modifiers are the magic wands of photography, capable of transforming the quality, quantity, and direction of your light. They come in all shapes and sizes, from minuscule grids to expansive umbrellas. The array of choices can rival the challenge of picking a movie on Netflix!

Interestingly, you can also do OCF (Off-Camera Flash) without any modifier at all, using just the bare bulb of your light. That's how I embarked on this journey, and I snapped a picture nearly a decade ago that ignited my passion for flash photography.

The fascination lay in the power to create light where there was none. In that shot, a friend stood just out of frame, holding my little, bare flash directed toward the woman's face.

Whether you're on a budget or prefer to keep your photography gear minimal, using your flash without a modifier is a great option. You can bounce it off ceilings or walls to soften the light.

If you can afford a modifier, they are a great tool for creating a variety of looks. They work wonders by altering the quality, quantity, and direction of light.

“Here’s a general rule of thumb: a large modifier begets soft light, while a smaller one yields harder light.”

It is nice to have a way to soften the light though, and I always recommend starting with a shoot-thru umbrella (shown here). I do this for three reasons

• They are inexpensive and a good purchase for those who are just dabbling with OCF. 

• They make some very soft and pretty light and can be used in a variety of ways. 

• They are good to have while you figure out what type of modifier will best suit your particular shooting style and needs.

Mixed Light

This image shows two light sources, causing two different types of light. The light sources are considered large or big in relation to the subject.

Soft Light

This light exhibits a gentle transition from shadow to highlight. Generally cause by a large light source that is often close to the subject.

Hard Light

Hard light casts a more abrupt shadow line. It is caused by small light sources like the sun ( in relation to the subject).

For my needs, my go-to modifier is the Glow 28-inch foldable beauty dish. I love this modifier. It handles well outside, it is small enough to control the light in still life images but large enough for lovely portraits. This is the perfect modifier for me, but I would recommend you really look around to find what will work for you best. 

Specific Use Cases for Modifiers:

Modifiers are versatile tools that can greatly enhance your creative control over lighting. Understanding their specific applications can help you make informed choices when setting up your shots. Here are some common use cases for modifiers:

Portrait Photography:

• Softboxes create a soft, diffused light that's perfect for flattering portrait lighting. They minimize harsh shadows and reduce the appearance of blemishes and imperfections on a subject's skin.

• Beauty Dishes: These modifiers produce a balanced light with a soft central spot and a gentle fall-off around the edges. They're popular for fashion and beauty portraits, as they provide pleasing skin tones and captivating catchlights in the eyes.

• Umbrellas: Both shoot-through and reflective umbrellas are great for portrait work. Shoot-through umbrellas create a large, soft light source, while reflective umbrellas can be used to bounce and diffuse light.

Product Photography

• Light Tents and Softboxes: These modifiers are often used for product photography. They create even, shadow-free illumination, making products look clean and well-defined.

• Grids: Grids are handy for controlling light spill, ensuring that the light falls precisely where you want it. This is particularly useful when highlighting specific product details.

Outdoor Photography

• Reflectors: Reflectors bounce natural sunlight or artificial light onto your subject. They're a simple and effective way to fill in shadows and add a touch of warmth to outdoor portraits.

• Diffusion Panels: When shooting outdoors in harsh sunlight, diffusion panels can soften and evenly distribute the light. This helps avoid overexposed highlights and deep shadows.

By understanding the specific use cases for various modifiers, you can tailor your lighting setup to achieve your desired photographic results. Remember that experimentation is key, and as you become more familiar with different modifiers, you'll develop your own style and preferences.

As you advance through your photography journey, remember these key takeaways:

1. Modifiers wield the power to reshape your light and redefine your images.

2. The market boasts a diverse selection of modifiers, catering to a wide range of budgets.

3. Invest time in discovering the modifier that complements your unique needs and style.

I want to add, if all you have is a flash and a way to trigger it (your camera may have this ability without even purchasing a separate trigger) then you can get started learning this skill. 

Should you have any queries regarding modifiers, don't hesitate to reach out!

In the next post, we will dive into the art of using your flash as your sole light source.