How to use color gels with Elaine Torres

Did you know that you actually save up on colored backdrops and use lights with color gels on a white backdrop instead? Playing with color gels is definitely rewarding in lots of ways, including the creative one. As the trends for colored shots continues to conquer Instagram, a lot of photographers try themselves in this genre. Here are a few tips from Elaine Torres on how to use color gels, shot for Adorama TV.

Using color in the key light as a kicker light

Adding color to the key light would have the subject covered in light completely. Elaine uses a reflector bowl  with a strobe to create a hard light and to really show the richness of the color pink. She also plays the kicker light to give the image more dimension separating the model fromthe background.

Mixing two colors as props

Another Elaine’s favorite technique  is mixing color.  For this setup instead of the background light she adds another light to camera’s front left in front of the model and with BLUE light. The intensity of front strobed must match yet depending on the density of gels it might require some adjustment.

Color a background

A very convenient and possibly economical way to use a color gel is to color a background thus imitating a color backdrop. To create this effect place the strobe, the reflector and the desired color gel hitting the white backdrop.  Separate your model and the background and use another strobe with the desired modifier as your main light. Make sure that the main light is not hitting the background.   Next you can add color to your kicker light. In this example Elaine is using a yellow color gel and the blue background for the gradient effect.  

Use it as a prop.

Instead of shooting a light through the gel, shoot the camera. Having a colorful prop always brings energy to the picture and creates more interest!   Watch the full tutorial video of Elaine Torres for Adorama TV here:   In one of our Interview series with talented photographers called HARD TO CLEAN MATERIAL, we discussed the genre of color with Arturo Evaristo. Watch full interview here: