The Lindsay Adler’s Westcott Optical Spot is a modifier that can be used to create a variety of effects in the studio including shapes, patterns, colors, and selective shading of the subject or background. If you are a portrait photographer, this device can open up countless creative options for you and your client.
What exactly is it?
The optical point is not a flash, nor does it come with a flash. So if you’re considering buying one, the first thing to know is that you’ll need to use it with your existing flash system. Westcott gives you the option to purchase with a variety of brackets to fit all major flash brands, so you don’t necessarily have to use Westcott lights.
As the name suggests, it is an optical illuminator and includes a lens that you can use to focus light to create hard or soft lines in your image, as well as project any shape. what form. Effects are made using gobos (or go-betweens), which are pre-made shapes that literally go between the flash and your subject, projecting the pattern onto your subject through a lens. on the front of the device. This specific location includes a variety of gobos and many other shapes that can be purchased separately. Another great feature is that this spot has four built-in shutters that can be manipulated to create custom shapes or flag the light.
If you are a fan of Canon photography, one advantage is that the lens mount accepts any Canon EF lens, which gives the device more versatility as different focal lengths will affect the lens. way of lighting.
To use an optical point, simply attach it to an existing light (flash or burst light) and slide in the desired gobo to project a variety of shapes, lines, or patterns onto your subject. This spot can be used as the main light source or in combination with other lights, and you can also attach colored gels to the lens for added versatility.
What’s in the box?
- Carrying case and shoulder strap
- Optical Ppot
- Lenses and lens bags
- Gobo Keeper
- Eight gobos (heart, star, window, three circle sizes, two patterns)
- Five gels (red, green, blue yellow and orange) and gel holder for lenses
- Small carrying case for gobo and filter
- Instructions and other paperwork
I was pleasantly surprised by the large and sturdy case that the optics point to, and as always with Westcott products, the product itself is well-made and feels premium.
Optical point setting
If you are using a strobe light, you need to use a model light to see how and where the light falls. Lenses can be focused to produce hard or soft edges, although this becomes a bit of a challenge if your flash system doesn’t have a powerful modeling light. With the Alien Bees flash, I needed to reduce the ambient light in the room to clearly see the effect of the model lights and adjust the shape, size, and focus of the projection. Another downside to using my Alien Bees is that the optical point gets extremely hot and I have to be careful when handling it if I’ve been shooting for a while. That aside, spot lights are pretty easy and straightforward to use, and the challenges above may or may not be, depending on the brand of your lights.
One of the coolest features of the optical spot is that it has four built-in metal foils that you can manipulate to create a custom shape or flag the light as you see fit. I used them to create a single band of light on a face, or a triangle, for example. It is very easy to adjust and is a great feature. Adding gobos is also easy, as you simply slide one of the round gobos onto the stand and then the stand comes into focus. And, if you want, you can add a layer of colored gel on the front of the lens. It is quite simple to operate.
Use optical point
So far, I’ve used this spot as a single main light, as fill light for additional flashes and with mixed lighting using the Westcott flex board and light stick.
By far my favorite way to use it is with mixed lighting using Westcott flex panels as my main light (or spotlight). I love doing this for a number of reasons. First, the flexible kit is the go-to light system for my studio, so I feel comfortable using it. I love being able to see exactly how the light hits my subject before I hit the shutter button, and it’s easy to dial in the main light before adding a point. Second, I was able to reduce the ambient light in my studio so that I could see the results of the model lights, while still being able to retain enough light in the room through the flexible panels themselves.
One challenge with using point optics is that your subject needs to be perfectly still after you dial in your settings, or you’ll need an assistant to constantly adjust the angle of light as your subject moves. your move. For example, if you’re creating a band of light over one eye and your subject moves even slightly, they won’t stay in place. Again, this is not a big deal, but something to keep in mind as the session goes on. If I’m working without an assistant, I simply remind my clients to stay as still as possible.
Is the investment worth it?
I think the biggest question regarding Lindsay Adler’s Westcott Optical Spot is, do you need one? For me, the answer depends on the type of client you work with. If your client group mainly consists of corporate sessions, the answer is probably no. I can’t think of a situation where a corporate client would like a strip of light on their face or a projection model against the background of their photograph, and although I suppose there might be a corporate client who would like something like this, but definitely not standard.
However, if you are working with models or artists, I think optical points can be a great addition to your studio. As someone who frequently works with artists (mostly musicians), this position is a great addition to my arsenal of modifiers and I have produced images for clients that have been well received. warm. Also, speaking from a financial standpoint, I can offer my clients even more images, which means I can sell more images. For me, it’s a win-win.
Conclusion
I find Lindsay Alder’s Westcott Optical Point to be a great addition to my studio, and I feel like I’ve only been briefed on what I can creatively do with it. As I experiment with it more and more, I will continue to provide my clients with images that are unique, stand out, and be an asset to their brand. You can buy yours this.
