The 5 in 1 Spotlight and Diffusion Panel
The 5-in-1 reflector is a convenient way to alter the color and shape of hard light. It is easily changed by simply swapping out the reflector sides, which are sewn into a pouch that fits over the diffusion panel.
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1. Soften Hard Light
Hard light often gets a bad rap, but in the hands of a good DP it can be pretty cool. It’s generally used by fashion photographers and portrait shooters to add a bit of drama to an image, but it can also be useful for still life and product shots.
The primary factor when it comes to soft or hard light is the size of your source in relation to the subject you are illuminating. The larger and closer the source, the softer it will be (think sunlight with a big cloud in front of it).
One way to make your light softer is to use a diffuser. Diffusion is designed to 5 in 1 spotlight scatter the light over a large surface area, neutralizing hot spots and producing a more uniform effect. Some people may also try to create their own diffusion by using materials like bed sheets or curtains, but the best option is a professional 5 in 1 reflector that has been designed specifically for diffusing light.
Another way to make your light softer is by increasing the size of the source itself. You can do this by pointing a small light at a piece of large diffusion, effectively making the diffusion the new source and dramatically softening the effect. It’s worth noting that you will lose some intensity doing this, so be sure to meter for the reflected light rather than the direct light output.
2. Shape Your Light
With the 5-in-1 spotlight you can also shape your light, for example by using it to fill in shadows that a flat reflector wouldn’t reach. The way the four reflector sides are sewn together into a pouch and fitted over the diffusion panel also makes it easy to swap out the color for something else just by unzipping the pouch, turning it around, reattaching the diffusion panel and adding a different colored material.
Another great feature of the 5 in 1 spotlight is that you can choose to adjust it’s power in Lumens or Watt, whichever you prefer. You can change this setting directly in the Real-time view, Scene tree or Light Manager.
3. Change the Color
Color-changing lights are a great way to add interest to your landscape lighting. Use them to illuminate trees, planters, signs, and other landscaping elements. They can also be used as fountain or underwater pond lights to accent water features, waterfalls, and fountains at night. These LED spotlights are designed with a constant current control (CCT) that allows for consistent brightness over long distances without losing any brightness from voltage drop. They’re available with or without wireless controls and come with a 4′ power cord with a G-LUX plug-and-play connector for easy installation into a prewired landscape lighting system.
These miniature LEDs are ideal for scale model lava lamps, circus displays, and 2 Inch Led Work Light other small projects that require colorful, changing light.
4. Add a Diffusion Panel
A diffuser is an essential piece of equipment for photographers that helps soften hard light. It’s designed to sit over a light and redirect its light through the fabric or mesh. This makes the light more spread out and softer, which can be great for flattering portraits and eliminating shadows. You can use a 5 in 1 reflector kit with a diffusion panel to transform your hard-lighting fixture into something much more versatile.
Using the same technique for finding the mechanical size of a spotlight bulb, you can determine the opening size you will need by performing some simple calculations. You will want to factor in the purpose, beam angle and distance of your spotlight. This information will allow you to narrow down your LED spotlight search, which will help you find a more specific product for your needs.
For example, if you are looking for a spotlight with a very tight, narrow beam, the Spotlight Max will be a good option. It features both a 5deg and 10deg ETC lenses that will allow you to “punch” the beam into reflectors, CLRS panels or bounce it off of coved whiteboards.
When installing your own DIY LED spotlights, always follow the instructions carefully and make sure you disconnect any currents in the room you’re working in with a voltage meter or multi-meter before starting work. If you are not comfortable working on electrical circuits, consider hiring a professional electrician to wire your spotlights. This will ensure that you don’t cross any currents and receive a dangerous shock.
