1. Understanding Colored Gels:
* What are they? Thin sheets of colored plastic or acetate designed to be placed in front of a light source to change the color of the light.
* Types:
* Color Correction Gels: Used to adjust the color temperature of light (e.g., CTO - Color Temperature Orange to warm up cool light, CTB - Color Temperature Blue to cool down warm light). We won't focus on these as much for creative portraits.
* Color Effect Gels: Used to create specific colors and moods. These are the gels we'll be primarily focusing on. Common colors include red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, pink, etc.
* Density: Some gels are darker than others. Denser gels will block more light, requiring you to increase your flash power or ISO.
* Size & Shape: Gels come in various sizes. Choose sizes that are compatible with your lighting equipment.
* Brands: Rosco, Lee Filters, and Neewer are common brands.
2. Equipment You'll Need:
* Lights:
* Strobes (Speedlights or Studio Strobes): Most common for gelled photography.
* Continuous Lights (LED panels, etc.): Can be used, but you need to ensure they don't generate excessive heat that could damage the gels. LED lights are generally safer for gels.
* Gels: A variety of colors to experiment with. Start with a basic pack or purchase individual colors that appeal to you.
* Gel Holders: These attach to your lights and securely hold the gels in place. Some strobes have built-in gel slots. Alternatively, you can use inexpensive clip-on holders or even gaffer tape (though this is less ideal as it can leave residue).
* Light Stands: To position your lights.
* Softboxes, Umbrellas, or Other Modifiers: To soften or shape the light. You can place gels *before* or *after* the modifier, depending on the effect you want.
* Reflectors (Optional): To bounce light and fill shadows.
* Light Meter (Optional): Helps you precisely control the power of your lights, ensuring consistent results.
* Camera: DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode control.
3. Basic Techniques and Setups:
* Single Light with Gel: This is the simplest setup. Place a single light with a gel on one side of your subject. Observe the color cast and shadows. Experiment with different gel colors.
* Two Lights, Two Gels: Use two lights, each with a different colored gel, positioned on opposite sides of your subject. This can create a dynamic and colorful look. Experiment with complementary colors (e.g., blue and orange) or analogous colors (e.g., blue and green).
* Background Light with Gel: Use a light with a gel to illuminate the background. This can create a colorful backdrop and separate your subject from the background.
* Hair Light with Gel: Use a light with a gel positioned behind your subject to create a colored rim light.
* Key Light and Fill Light with Different Gels: Use one light as your key light (the main light source) with a gel, and another light as a fill light (to lighten shadows) with a different gel. This can create subtle color contrasts.
* Using Gels on Ambient Light: While less common in portraiture, you *can* place gels over windows or other ambient light sources to subtly shift the color of the available light. This is more experimental.
4. Key Considerations and Tips:
* White Balance: Set your white balance *after* you've set up your lighting with gels. You can often adjust white balance in post-processing, but getting it close in-camera is helpful. Experiment with auto white balance (AWB) to see if it gives you a desirable result, but manual white balance will give you more control.
* Light Ratios: Pay attention to the power ratio between your lights. If one light is much brighter than the other, the color from that gel will dominate. Adjust the power levels to achieve the desired balance.
* Exposure: Gels absorb light, so you'll likely need to increase your flash power, ISO, or widen your aperture to compensate.
* Diffusion: Using a softbox or other diffusion with your gelled light will create a softer, more pleasing light. Think about the effect you want – hard, contrasty light or soft, diffused light.
* Distance: The distance between the light and your subject affects the intensity of the light. Move the light closer for a more intense color cast, and further away for a softer color cast.
* Subject's Wardrobe: Consider your subject's clothing. Some colors will clash with certain gels, while others will complement them. Neutral clothing (black, white, gray) often works well as a starting point.
* Skin Tone: Be mindful of how the gel color affects your subject's skin tone. Some colors can make skin look sickly or unnatural. Consider using warmer gels (e.g., orange or yellow) to add warmth and vibrancy.
* Shadows: Colored gels will create colored shadows. Pay attention to the placement of your lights and how the shadows fall on your subject's face.
* Experimentation is Key: Don't be afraid to try different combinations of gels, light positions, and camera settings. The best way to learn is to experiment and see what works for you.
* Less is Sometimes More: You don't always need to saturate the entire scene with color. Sometimes, just a subtle hint of color can be very effective.
* Post-Processing: You can fine-tune the colors in post-processing (e.g., Photoshop or Lightroom), but it's always best to get the colors as close as possible in-camera.
5. Creative Ideas and Inspiration:
* Double Exposure with Gels: Combine a traditionally lit image with a gelled image in post-processing for a unique double exposure effect.
* Silhouette with Colored Background: Position your subject in front of a background lit with colored gels to create a silhouette.
* Split Lighting with Two Gels: Light one side of your subject's face with one color and the other side with a different color for a dramatic and graphic look.
* Color Harmony: Use colors that are harmonious and pleasing to the eye. Analogous colors (colors that are next to each other on the color wheel) often work well together.
* Color Contrast: Use colors that are contrasting and create visual tension. Complementary colors (colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel) can be very effective.
* Thematic Shoots: Use colored gels to create a specific mood or theme. For example, use red and orange gels for a fiery, dramatic look, or blue and green gels for a cool, calming look.
* Abstract Portraits: Focus on shapes, lines, and colors rather than capturing a realistic representation of your subject.
6. Safety:
* Heat: Be careful when using gels with hot lights (especially halogen). Make sure the gels are heat-resistant and properly ventilated to prevent them from melting or catching fire. LED lights are generally safer in this regard.
* Eye Safety: Avoid shining bright lights directly into your subject's eyes.
Example Setup: A Simple Two-Light Gel Portrait
1. Subject: Position your model against a neutral backdrop (e.g., gray or white).
2. Key Light: Place a speedlight with a red gel in a softbox to the subject's left at a 45-degree angle.
3. Fill Light: Place another speedlight with a blue gel, without a softbox, to the subject's right, slightly behind them (creating a rim light effect on that side of the face). Reduce the power compared to the key light to avoid overpowering the red.
4. Camera Settings: Start with f/2.8, 1/200 sec, and ISO 100. Adjust as needed. Use manual white balance and adjust it to your liking.
5. Shoot: Experiment with different power levels on each light to fine-tune the color balance.
Remember to practice and experiment to find your own style and techniques. Colored gels offer endless creative possibilities! Good luck!