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Gels are the back bone of any good lighting endevor. However, selecting the right colors is an art.
The key gels that I use are those for a cool wash, warm wash and a diffusion.
Warm Wash
- This is the redish - orange glow
- Use this to create a sunny/sun lit effect or to give off a happy, warm feeling
- The Gel I use for warm wash is Roscolux #04: Medium Bastard Amber (Yes, that is its actual name)
Cool Wash
- This is the blueish-purple glow
- Used to create an indoor/unnatural light effect, or for a cooler feeling
- The Gel I use for cool wash is Roscolux #51: Surprise Pink (Surprise! It's actually Purple!)
The Key to having two washes, is that you can mix them to create different looks. Using just one of the washes does not usually look the best, adding in just a little of the other can make a big difference. Be sure to hang an equal amount of both.
Diffusion
- If you have focused, shuttered or just have hard edged light beams, then using diffusion is a must.
- This will take the edge off of your light beams and make your lighting appear much smoother/more natural.
- The diffusion gel I use is Roscolux #119: Light Hamburg Frost (I use this on every light, regardless of color, unless the light is being used as a spot light/I want a hard edge).
Other Gel Colors
- The key to selecting other colors, is to pay close attention to the mood of the scene you will be using them in.
- If the scene is happy/upbeat, then you want a paler/more transparent gel, this will allow more light through and make the stage brighter (However, the color will be more subtle)
- If the scene is dark/down, then you want a stronger/less transparent gel, this will allow less light through and make the stage darker. The color will be stronger, but you may need to add some white light or a wash in to make it brighter.
- Using a small flashlight and your swatchpack is probably the best way to choose gel colors. (Just be sure to keep in mind that the color of the surface you are projecting the gel onto will affect its appearance)
- A black surface will "eat" light and make it appear darker
- A white surface will reflect the light and make it appear brighter
- A surface the same color as the gel you are using will amplify the color and make it brighter
- A surface that is the opposite color as your gel (red vs green) will counter the color and make a nasty "muddy" look
- Try to pick your gels using a surface the same color as your set/stage for best results
Gels come in sheets 50 x 61 cm. So, measure your various holders to determine roughly how many sheets you will need (always order 1-3 sheets more than you think you will need).
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