For photo shoot...do I put tissue paper or cellophane over lights?

Question

My husband is taking some pictures of stuff for work and they brought in lights but it's too bright...I thought you could use tissue paper or cellophane over the lighting to diffuse it...which one is it? Any suggestions? Thanks!

Answer 1

No one has asked the most important question.

Are you talking about electronic strobe/flash lights or continuous (bulb) lights? If bulbs, DO NOT use tissue or similar materials because of the extreme danger of fire! These lights get HOT!

There are diffusion materials designed for studio lights that will work or you can use large sheets of white cloth, plastic, etc, about one foot or so in front of the lights, or turn the lights away from the subject and shine them onto white or silver reflectors. You can make an in expensive reflector by covering a large sheet of cardboard with strips of aluminum foil.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I've seen tissue paper used before. I think cellophane my refract the light too much, but tissue paper will diffuse it.

Answer 4

Go to a camera store and ask for Frost or "250" diffusion gel, It'll run you around 5-7 dollars per large sheet, you'll be able to cut the sheet to size based on the specific lights you borrowed.

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Depends on the lighting he has now, and what kind of product he is photographing. It might be easiest to turn the lights and bounce them off the ceiling, or bounce the light off a large piece glossy white foamboard.

You CAN use tissue, for some limited on camera flash difusion, but it wont give you a lot of "play" if you need adjustments.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Rob Nock took the words right from my mouth.