*For more information visit AdoramaTV YT page, and of course you can keep up with David on Instagram and Twitter @DavidBergman. LATEST UPDATE: David opened up new IGTV episodes where you can ask him questions live! find out more at http://www.AskDavidBergman.com
In this quick tutorial with photographer David Bergman and Adorama TV we’re going to talk about using gels on your flash and why they don’t always look like you expect.
Mr. Bergman explains: “What is a gel? Well, it’s just a piece of colored plastic that you can put in front of your flash, to create some fun, special effects. They are sold in may different colors and sizes. You can get a big sheet for studio lights, or for speed lights, you can cut down those big sheets, or get pre-cut little ones that are already the right size.”
“I’ve a few tips to help you get nice vibrant color from those gels, and keep then from getting washed out. The first thing to do, is make sure the gel is completely covering the flash head, I like to use black gaffer tape around all sides of the gel. If any white light is coming out of the sides, it can contaminate the color, and wash everything out.”
“The next thing to know is that the exposure will severely effect the vibrancy and color, three images were bracketed at 2 stop intervals, and you can see that the darker the image, the deeper the color.”
“Whether I change my exposure in camera or turn the power down on my strobes, either way, a darker image always gives me more saturation. Lastly, make sure that the other lights on your set aren’t contaminating the color from your gels. Lighting a subject in front with white light and wanting a color in the background, you should be careful to not have any of that white light spilling onto the background. You an use modifiers like a grid to control the spill but you can move the light closer to your subject, so it falls off faster. Or you can simply pull your subject further away from your background.”
“Remember there is no right or wrong way to do any of this because it’s a creative decision on how you want your colors to look. But if it’s deep vibrant saturated colors you are going for then make sure you tape the gel on completely under expose it a bit, and don’t mix with any other lights on your set.”
Check out our WORKSHOPS in Los Angeles that teach you hands-on how to make great photos!
Watch the full episode with David Bergman and Adorama TV: