5 Types of Light Shapers and What They Do

Some of us have one, some of us don't, but use one. I'm talking about a studio, and what do all studios have? Lights!

Studio lights are quite different to speedlights; size and power output being just two of these differences. They're often referred to as monoblocs, and can have a number of light shapers attached to them. So what are the 5 most common light shapers, and what are they used for?

High Key Set-up – Image by Alan Ant

Barn Door

Let's start with the most simple and humble of them all – the barn door. Named due to the way it looks (and works), this light shaper plays a useful role. Barn doors are frequently used on lights used to light the background, such as when you want a pure white infinity curve but don't want any light to spill onto the subject.

To use them, simply place one (or more) on the flash head with the ‘door' positioned in such a way that it blocks any light from a certain direction. They're basically blinkers for your flash.

Barndoor Studio Light  – Image by Fotodiox Pro

Softbox

One of the most useful light shapers, and one of the most used is the softbox. It comes in many sizes, ranging from tiny to absolutely huge. Different sizes give different results, and it usually depends on the area you're trying to light. The softbox also comes in different shapes depending on your needs and preferences (such as catchlights in the eyes) – for example, an octabox is a very large softbox in the shape of an octagon, and a striplight is a long, thin softbox. Softboxes have reflective interiors and a diffused layer on the front which can often be taken off to give harsher light.

The main use of a softbox though is to give nice, even soft light falling onto your subject.

Softbox

Umbrella

The umbrella is favoured by many photographers, for its easy setup, portability, compatibility and for the unique, interesting catchlights it gives. It's also a cheaper (thought slightly different in the results it gives) alternative to a softbox. You can get both shoot through and reflective umbrellas, and some even do both – they have a reflective cover so when removed, it turns into a shoot through. Umbrellas tend to spill more light out into the surrounding area than a softbox, but the general effect is very similar to that of a softbox.

Umbrella

Snoot

This attachment is used to create a concentrated area of light on your subject. You can concentrate it further by putting a honeycomb grid in the end of it too. It's frequently used to create a rim/hairlight because of this. You can use it to pick out certain features on your subject, or if used as a hairlight, you can make your subject stand out from a dark background instead of blending into it by lighting them with it from behind. It's also incredibly easy to make a snoot for your speedlight using some card, some tape or velcro and some black straws.

Snoot

Beauty Dish

Often silver or white on the inside, like the softbox and umbrella this is also a light diffuser. However, a beauty dish gives off a harsher and more contrasted light than a softbox, which can be more flattering on your subjects as it gives them better-defined features. It also creates a circular catchlight in the eye.

Beauty Dish

Now that you know what five light shapers can do, why not try out some studio lighting? Play around with them and see what you like best!

Article by Emma Brabrook – Emma is a photographer from the UK. You can follow her on Twitter, visit her Flickr, join her Page on Facebook or visit her Blog.