How to Use Diffuser Panels in Photography for Natural Lighting

Diffuser panels, also known a scrims, soften light by forcing it to pass through a gauze-like nylon material. This scatters the light particles in much the same way that dust in the atmosphere scatters natural light. The effect in the studio is a more "natural" and softer look, without the harsh shadows and bright highlights that studio lights can sometimes create.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 or more photo lights
• 3 or more lighting stands
• 3 or more diffuser panels
• 3 or more light stands

1. Set up your 3-point lighting with a key light, a fill light and a backlight and arrange your subject.

2. Place a diffuser panel, attached to a light stand, between your key light and your subject. The closer your diffuser panel is to your light the harsher your lighting will look. Keeping the diffuser panel as far from the key light as possible (while remaining out of shot) will give you the most diffused and softest light. Experiment with different distances between the key light and the diffuser panel until you find the perfect distance.

3. Place a diffuser panel between your fill light and your subject. Normally you will want your diffuser panel closer to your fill light than your key light as you will want a slightly harsher fill. Again, experiment with the distance until you achieve the look you want.

4. Place a diffuser panel between your backlight and your subject. Normally your diffuser will be very close to your backlight as you will only want a modest effect, but again this is up to you and your particular needs. Many photographers do not use a diffuser panel on a backlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Photography is an art and you will need to experiment with diffuser panel densities as well as distances from your lighting sources until you achieve the results you want.
• Do not allow your diffuser panels to rest against hot lights for any length of time because they could melt or catch fire.