Projecting Light for Creative Effect

Video by Robert Grant, Article by SASHA GiTiN


Watch this photography tutorial video to learn a technique of projecting light.

Projection “Cookie” light is widely used for creative effects in photography, film and theater.

Gobos: are generally black foam board card that are used to block out the light.


Cookie Cards: are basically Gobos with cut in shapes to allow partial light to be projected onto background, surface or onto the subject. 

There are numerous ways to use projected light for visual impact.  One of the more common uses of “Cookie”light is to create a feeling of sunlight penetrating through window or plants. 

Two images below were created inside the studio for commercial assignments one for a wallpaper ad and the other for a soft goods ad, respectively.

projected lightCookie light was projected to simulate window sunlight. Photo by Robert Grant


cookie lightCookie light was used to suggest sunlight passing through the tree leaves. Photo by Robert Grant


Projection light can also be used creatively not only as a graphic element but also as a main light source.  Here is our final shot:

How to project light "Retro"  Photo by Robert Grant

Give this technique a try and let us know how it works for you.

Related Tutorials: lighting equipment  sunlight effect  flower photography  abstruction

Tags : clamp lamp ,  studio ,  lighting , 
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