Lighting is crucial for any creator, and having the right tools can make a significant difference. Here's one of the most versatile modifiers you can own.
Coming to you from Jacob Schoonover with Westcott Lighting, this informative video highlights the versatility of scrims. The scrim is composed of interchangeable tubes, connectors, and fabrics that generally range in size from 1x1 to 8x8 feet. This setup allows you to shape and soften light precisely. One of the most common uses for a scrim is to diffuse light, which can soften harsh shadows and create a more even light source.
Using the system, you can mount multiple pieces of diffusion fabric for greater light control. The video showcases several types of diffusion materials and their effects. For instance, the 1/4-stop silk provides a subtle softening, while the full-stop diffusion significantly enhances light quality, creating a more even spread on the background. Each type of diffusion fabric offers a unique light quality, allowing you to customize the look according to your specific requirements.
Bouncing light is another technique demonstrated in the video. By bouncing light off a scrim, you can fill in shadows and reduce contrast. This is particularly useful in creating a balanced image. The frame can hold various bounce fabrics, such as white for a soft fill or silver for brighter, more specular highlights. Additionally, the unbleached muslin offers a natural, warmer look, which is excellent for skin tones, while the black fabric is ideal for maintaining contrast and controlling unwanted light spill.
Cutting light with nets is another critical function of the scrim system. In outdoor settings, managing bright backgrounds can be challenging. Using a net can balance the exposure between your subject and the background, ensuring your subject stands out. The video illustrates how a one-stop net can improve balance and how a two-stop net can further enhance the focus on your subject. The ability to attach multiple pieces of fabric to the scrim frame provides flexibility in reducing ambient light to achieve the desired effect.
Whether you need to diffuse, bounce, or cut light, a scrim can significantly enhance your production quality. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Schoonover.
If you would like to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out "Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!"
2 Comments
This is great for Westcott because it sells more stuff - but it is really only doing what a cheap softbox will do, but with a lot more hardware and setup time.
Imagine a cheap softbox with only a single baffle... that's what this is. So you're going to get a source with a hotter centre spot, and less of an even spread.
In addition, the light rays are much more inclined to be very spread with this arrangement - far more than a softbox because of how a box internally reflects the light.
It certainly looks impressive to the client, and it does mean you can get away with a lesser boom arm. But it offers less flexibility and a courser light source.
As to being a "must have" method, I'm surprised at Alex for suggesting it because it just isn't as good.
Disclaimer - I have used big 20ft x 20ft silks in this way with 20K light sources... but only because it is darn difficult to get a 15ft softbox. (Albeit somewhat easier to do these days with stacked panels).
Dang, son, how many people have you shadow banned!?