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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Studio photography-fun with Gels
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Canon EOS-1D Mark II
 10/13/2003 11:43:41 PM · #1
Have you all experimented with Gels in a studio setting? Why is does the shadow in
this picture create a darker red? Also i would love to see samples/examples of studio work with Gels.
critique mine if you wish
thanks
Canon EOS-5D
Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM
 10/13/2003 11:48:16 PM · #2
How are your lights set up? Are you just using a main light and a fill light? Do both these have a red gel? If so, they are each casting red light, but your main is blocked by the body, but the fill still is red, causing the red shadow effect. I recommend getting a back light and moving her further from the backdrop/wall. Otherwise, nicely done.
Canon EOS-20D
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon
 10/14/2003 08:03:17 AM · #3
Hi there.

I use gels all the time.

I think hg basically gave you the right idea. You want to predominantly use the gel light as a background light, unless you are going for special effects. I frequently mix a gel'd light with a white light to illumine my subject but give the illusion of colored backgrounds.

Another thing to look out for is that, to get richer color you must keep the gel'd light dim. The brighter it gets, the closer it gets to blowout, the more it exposes as white. To get pure colors, keep it dim.

Here are some examples of what I feel were successful uses of gels:







Feel free to comment or question.
Canon EOS-1D Mark II
 10/14/2003 10:15:17 AM · #4
excellent work Colin yes I sorta figured out the dimness part and was using it as a background light thanks guys for your comments
Nikon D200
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED
 10/14/2003 11:37:09 AM · #5
I think you answered this indirectly for me mag, but indulge me anyway:

when would you use gels as opposed to editing in PS later? I assume your answer will be if you want natural colour foreground with gel colour background, but what about if you want your main light coloured? is there any advantage to using the gel over doing a colour shift after the fact?

My experience with lighting consists of the speed flash built into the cam, and a 60 watt GE cool white, so forgive my ignorance.

thanks,

Pedro
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