Gels are one of the most versatile tools in your lighting kit, offering endless creative possibilities when used right. Whether you’re adding color to a scene or adjusting the quality of light, gels give you control over your final image.
Coming to you from M.D. Welch with Photo Kitchen, this informative video breaks down everything you need to know about gels—from types and sizes to practical tips for storage and usage. Welch starts by discussing the different sizes of gels available, ranging from pre-cut gels that fit specific lighting systems to larger rolls you can cut yourself. Pre-cut gels offer convenience but lock you into specific systems. If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind doing a little work, buying a large roll and cutting your own gels can be more cost-effective.
Welch goes on to explain the three main types of gels: color, color correction, and light modification gels. Color gels are the most creative, allowing you to add hues to your highlights and shadows to establish a mood or break the monotony of a shoot. He emphasizes the importance of understanding color theory when working with these gels, as the wrong combination of colors can unintentionally disrupt the story or feel of your image. Welch highlights how these gels can be a game-changer when you want to bring emotion into your photos.
Color correction gels, while used less frequently now due to advancements in lighting technology, are still useful in certain scenarios. These gels balance different light sources like daylight and tungsten, ensuring consistency across your scene. CTO (Color Temperature Orange) and CTB (Color Temperature Blue) gels are still widely used to warm up or cool down your lights. Welch also touches on less common gels, like plus-green gels, that can help replicate older fluorescent lighting looks or create creative effects.
Welch emphasizes the importance of being organized when working with gels. Gels can quickly become a jumbled mess, making them hard to find and even harder to work with. By separating your gels based on type and labeling them, you save time and reduce frustration. Welch shares his system for storing gels, recommending jelly rolls and labeling them with a paint pen to keep everything neat and accessible. This approach makes it easier to find the gel you need and encourages you to use them more often. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Welch.
