Grid spots are honeycomb metal grids that snap onto the perimeter of the light housing. Grids are available in sizes to fit everything from large studio lights to small, camera mountable flashes. The most common grid sizes are 10, 20,30, and 45 degree versions, with the 10-degree grid providing the narrowest beam of light. Each comb in the honeycomb grid prevents the light from spreading out.
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| Grid spots, photography light modifier |
Honeycombs not only restrict the beam but also soften the light to some extent; the bigger the grid the wider the angle of the beam. Grid spots produce a narrow core of light with a diffused edge that falls off quickly to black. Because the light is collimated, there is very little spill with a grid spot. Grid spots provide a great amount of control because they allow you to place light in a specific and relatively small area. This makes them ideal for portraits where a dramatic one-light effect is desired.
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| Grid spots, photography light modifier |
Grid spots can be used to direct light at fill cards when a broader fill isn’t appropriate. They are also useful for adding a small detail or highlight to something, such as a subject’s hair in a portrait set-up. The light coming from a grid spot naturally feathers at its edge providing a beautiful transition from highlight to shadow. If the grid spot is the only frontal light used in a studio setting, the light will fall off quickly to black creating a very dramatic effect.
In the next article we will discuss about Light Modifiers - Reflector
In the next article we will discuss about Light Modifiers - Reflector
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