Comparing different light modifiers and the quality of light they produce

 

 

When you start working with off-camera lighting, whether it involves speedlights or something larger and more powerful, the next step will be figuring out which light modifiers work best for you. Direct light without a modifier can be very harsh and it likely isn’t going to produce the kind of look you’re after. There are so many different light modifiers out there and each of them offers a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages.

In the video below, photographer Manny Ortiz breaks down three different commonly-used light modifiers. He compares a beauty dish, a softbox and an umbrella. The primary things to consider with light modifiers is precisely that, how it modifies the light coming from your source. You want to think about how a modifier softens light and how it distributes light across your subject. For example, a beauty dish is a modifier you can use to create stronger highlights and shadows, meaning it’s a bit harsher. On the other hand, a softbox, as its name suggests, produces softer light.

(Via Manny Ortiz)