Lighting

• You can take any light source—whether it’s the sun, a studio fixture, or even a phone flashlight—and modify it using the following core principles. These are universal and not dependent on specific equipment.

  1. Diffuse It

  • Softens the light and makes the source appear larger, changing the quality.

  2. Cut It (Using Flags: Topper, Bottomer, Sider, etc.)

  • Blocks light from reaching unwanted areas.

  • Used to prevent spill or shape where light falls.

  3. Knock It Down (Reduce Intensity)

  • Use nets or ND (neutral density) to lessen intensity without changing light quality.

  • Maintains consistent shadow edges.

  • Note: Dimming traditional incandescent bulbs can shift the color temperature.

  4. Bounce It

  • Reflects light off a surface (e.g., bead board, mirror, wall) to change its direction and quality.

  • Often creates a softer, more natural look.

  Why this matters:
  These modification techniques are foundational and universally applicable, regardless of the fixture you’re using. They are the best place to start when learning how to control light in any environment.