What Is Gobo Lighting?

A gobo is anything placed between the light source and the subject.

In photography, the shape of a the light coming from a flash or studio light is often modified for creative effect. Whatever is placed between the light and the subject of the photograph is considered a "gobo."

Meaning

Gobo simply is a shortened way of saying "goes before optics." It can also be understood as "goes in between."

Types of Gobos

Just about anything can be used as a gobo as long as it blocks or modifies the light that hits it or passes through it. A house plant, chair or piece of colored glass could all be used as a gobo.

Light Shaping

A gobo can be used to create shapes on the subject or background. For instance, a gobo shaped like different sized rectangles could be used to portray a shadowy cityscape on the background.

Light Blocking

If the photographer wants to block light from hitting part of the subject, then a gobo can be placed between the light and the subject to direct where the light will and will not land.

Projection and Coloring

Colored glass or plastic gels can be used as gobos to change the color of the light on the subject. If these gobos have patterns or designs in them then that design will be projected onto the subject.

References

• Strobist : Lighting 101-Ceral Box Snoots and Gobos
• Vivid Light Photography: Studio Lighting Accessories