what are gells?

[Cutter]

I want to change my backgound colous and I have been told to use gells what are they and how much do they cost? any advice appreciated. Thanks

[ap4a]

Cost depends on what lighting system you're buying for, but they're small coloured discs that are placed in front of your light source to colour the light output.

[Cutter]

Originally Posted by ap4a

Cost depends on what lighting system you're buying for, but they're small coloured discs that are placed in front of your light source to colour the light output.

Thanks, so basicly they are coloured seethrough paper? that just go in front of your flash?

Originally Posted by Cutter

Thanks, so basicly they are coloured seethrough paper? that just go in front of your flash?

Paper tends to act as a defuser as it's usually opaque, but you can get interesting effect with oiled paper; more translucent = brighter light, gel slips are translucent.

[hssutton]

Originally Posted by beauxreflets

Paper tends to act as a defuser as it's usually opaque, but you can get interesting effect with oiled paper; more translucent = brighter light.

Not quite, but here are a few videos explaining the use of gels.

You may also find this of some interest.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=415671

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=gel...ed=0CDsQqwQwAw

Oiled rice paper used in same way as a gel (though hung 3mm in front of the flash) - making use of the diffusion from paper properties



These images were taken with the same camera settings

To just change the background colour Mark, you can experiment with 'stage' lighting effects, placing translucent materials (oiled papers,films / gels, or fabrics) in front of your side/back lighting gear. The rice paper for the apple shot was simply oiled (saturated) with a green felt tip pen.

You can also change background colour in the digital darkroom And the shadows projected onto the background wall created by opaque items, like draped lace, net etc., can add further depth and interest.

Have fun.

I just wish I had my studio built !!

[KeithT]

You can get the lighting gells from here: http://www.transformationtubes.co.uk/gels.html

As you will see, they are around a fiver for each cell or rolls are around 50 quid.

Originally Posted by KeithT

You can get the lighting gells from here: http://www.transformationtubes.co.uk/gels.html

As you will see, they are around a fiver for each cell or rolls are around 50 quid.

The cellophane wrappers from a variety of chocolate sweets etc., work well and are free too when they are sent your way.

[Cathus]

it's just seethrough coloured plastic with an American name.

Rosco make a set for about 8 quid shaped the same size as the average flashgun. Google 'Rosco Strobist Collection'

Lee make a demo set which I understand you can get free of charge, or you used to be able to from Lee themselves.

Any seethrough plastic will work, though there are some specific colours used for colour correction with names like CTO - colour temperature orange & those which balance tungsten & other light temperatures