1. Understanding Colored Gels:
* What are they? Colored gels are transparent sheets of colored plastic designed to be placed in front of a light source. They alter the color of the light, creating various effects.
* Types of gels:
* Color Correction (CTO, CTB, etc.): Used to correct or balance color temperatures between different light sources (e.g., balancing tungsten light to match daylight). Less creative, more practical.
* Creative Colors (Reds, Blues, Greens, Yellows, Purples, etc.): These are used for artistic expression and to create specific moods.
* ND Gels (Neutral Density): Reduce the amount of light without affecting the color. Useful for balancing power between different lights or taming an overly bright light source.
* Gel Numbers: Gels are often identified by a number (e.g., Rosco #27, Lee #181). These numbers correspond to specific colors and light transmission properties. Reference a gel swatch book (available from lighting equipment retailers) to understand what you're getting.
* Durability: Some gels are more heat-resistant than others. Always check the specifications of your gels and the wattage of your light source to avoid melting or damaging the gels. LEDs are generally cooler and safer for gels than tungsten bulbs.
2. Essential Equipment:
* Light Sources: Strobes (speedlights or studio strobes) are the most common. Constant lights (LED panels, etc.) can also be used, but ensure they don't generate excessive heat that could melt the gels.
* Colored Gels: Start with a small selection of primary colors (red, blue, yellow) and possibly a few secondary colors (green, purple, orange). Experimentation is key.
* Gel Holders: Devices to attach the gels to your light sources. These can be:
* Speedlight Gel Bands: Elastic bands with slots for gels. Affordable and convenient for on-camera flash.
* Gel Frames: Metal or plastic frames that clip onto strobe heads.
* Clothespins or Gaff Tape (Temporary): In a pinch, you can use these, but be careful about heat and secure placement.
* Light Stands: Essential for positioning your lights.
* Light Modifiers (Optional): Softboxes, umbrellas, snoots, grids – these control the spread and shape of your light. They can be used in conjunction with gels.
* Reflector (Optional): To bounce light and fill in shadows.
3. Planning Your Shot:
* Concept & Mood: What story do you want to tell? What feeling do you want to evoke? Different colors suggest different emotions (red = passion/anger, blue = calm/melancholy, etc.).
* Color Palette: Decide on a color scheme. Will you use complementary colors (opposite on the color wheel, like red and green) for high contrast and vibrancy? Or analogous colors (next to each other on the color wheel, like blue and green) for a more harmonious, subtle look?
* Lighting Setup: Plan the placement of your lights and how they will interact with your subject and background.
4. Basic Lighting Setups with Gels:
* Single Light with Gel: The simplest setup. Place one light with a gel modifier (e.g., softbox or umbrella) to illuminate the subject with a single color. Great for a stylized, dramatic look.
* Two Lights with Different Gels: A very common and versatile setup. One light (the key light) provides the main illumination, and another light (the fill light) with a different gel adds contrast and color.
* Complementary Colors: Use complementary gels (e.g., red and cyan) on your key and fill lights to create strong visual interest.
* Opposite Sides: Position the lights on opposite sides of the subject, illuminating different parts of the face/body with different colors.
* Rim Light with Gel: Use a gelled light behind the subject (often a strobe with a grid or snoot) to create a colored outline or rim of light. This helps separate the subject from the background.
* Background Light with Gel: Shine a gelled light onto the background to create a colored backdrop. This can be used in combination with other lights on the subject.
* Three-Point Lighting with Gels: Combine key light, fill light and rim light with gels for enhanced depth and drama.
5. Shooting Techniques & Tips:
* Light Ratios: Control the ratio of light between your key and fill lights to adjust the overall mood and intensity of the colors. A higher ratio (e.g., 4:1) will create more contrast and drama.
* White Balance: Set your white balance *before* adding gels to your lights to avoid unusual color casts, or set it to a custom white balance to match a specific gel. Then, experiment with leaving your white balance unchanged to create more unique effects. Auto White Balance will often try to "correct" the colors introduced by the gels, which you might not want.
* Camera Settings: Adjust your ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to get the correct exposure. Remember that colored gels reduce the amount of light reaching your sensor, so you may need to increase your ISO or widen your aperture.
* Subject Placement: Consider how your subject will interact with the light. Experiment with posing and angles to create interesting shadows and highlights.
* Experiment with Gel Combinations: Try layering two or more gels together to create unique colors. For example, combining a blue and yellow gel will produce a green light.
* Gel Placement: Experiment with placing the gels closer to or further from the light source. A closer gel will create a more saturated color, while a further gel will create a more diffused color.
* Diffusion: Adding diffusion to the light source before the gel, or between the gel and the subject, can soften the light and reduce harsh shadows.
* Shoot Tethered: Shooting tethered to a computer allows you to see the results of your lighting changes in real time, making it easier to fine-tune your setup.
* Use a Light Meter: For precise control over your lighting, a light meter can help you measure the intensity of each light and adjust your settings accordingly.
* Post-Processing: You can further enhance your images in post-processing by adjusting the colors, contrast, and sharpness. However, try to get as much of the desired effect in camera as possible.
6. Creative Ideas:
* Split Lighting: One side of the face illuminated with one color, the other with another.
* Monochromatic Portraits: Use different shades of the same color to create a cohesive and visually appealing portrait.
* Dreamlike Portraits: Use soft, pastel colors to create a dreamy and ethereal look.
* Abstract Portraits: Focus on the shapes and colors created by the gels, rather than the subject's features.
* Retro/Vintage Look: Use warmer tones like orange and yellow to evoke a vintage feel.
* Double Exposure: Combine a portrait with a gelled background to create a surreal and artistic image.
* Silhouettes: Place a gelled light behind the subject to create a silhouette against a colored background.
* Projected Patterns: Use gobos (pattern projectors) in front of the gelled light to project shapes or textures onto the subject.
* Motion Blur: Use a slow shutter speed and have the subject move during the exposure to create motion blur and streaks of color.
Important Considerations:
* Heat: Be mindful of the heat generated by your light sources, especially when using gels. Ensure the gels are rated for the wattage of your lights. LEDs are generally safer.
* Safety: Use proper lighting stands and secure all equipment to prevent accidents.
* Practice: The key to mastering colored gel photography is experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works.
By understanding the basics of colored gels, planning your shots carefully, and experimenting with different techniques, you can create truly unique and creative portraits that stand out from the crowd. Good luck!