Westcott Optical Spot by Lindsay Adler | Dreamy Lighting Effects

The Optical Spot is one of the lighting tools I use most often to create my unique style of photography, so if you’ve ever wondered “how’d she do that?”… this is likely the answer! I use the Optical Spot to create tight slices of light on the face or crisp shapes onto the background.

I’m excited to announce that I’ve partnered with Westcott to create my very own Optical Spot to give you the lighting control and precision that I’ve fallen in love with! (PS: It’s available in MANY lighting mounts, so YES, it’s for you too!).

I often use the light modifiers for extremely dramatic and low-key results, but in this video, I show you how you can utilize this tool for soft, feminine, and pastel lighting that is to die for! In other words, it’s not only for one particular ‘look’ but instead a versatile tool that’s all about control.

Let’s take a look at this setup, where I actually use TWO Optical Spots.

PS: Check out this measurement, the bts photos, and much more for this setup + 25 other looks at: http://lindsayadler.photo/opticalguide

Light 1: Main Light: Optical Spot + Kit Lens
The main light is the Optical Spot and I used the leaves to create a slice of light on the face. With just this light the shot is very dramatic and low-key (not the look I am going for this time!).

Light 2: Fill Light: XL Umbrella with Diffusion + Pink Gel
When I add an XL Umbrella with diffusion and a pink gel to the front right-hand side of the frame, this fills in the shadows with beautiful pastel pink. The light gives the white background a beautiful wash of color and a kiss of pink on the subject’s face.

Light 3: Background Light: Optical Spot + Maple Leaves Gobo
The final light in this scene adds the appearance of dappled light as if the sunlight were coming through leaves on trees. I used the Optical Spot and a wider lens (EF24-70mm 2.8) to create a beautiful defocused texture across the background. I used the “Maples Leaves” gobo (in the environmental gobo kit available now).

To add one more layer of interest to this image I used the Lensbaby Omni and the stretch glass to create beautiful painterly streaks of light onto some of the shots, making it even more dreamy and ethereal.

The results of the lighting are unique, precise, and dreamy! Just what I was going for. If you’d like to see this setup with all of the measurements, behind-the-scenes images, power of light, and more plus 24 other recipes, check out my Optical Spotlighting recipe guide, released TODAY!

PRODUCTS USED:

• Optical Spot
• Environmental Gobo Pack
• Profoto D2
• Profoto XL Umbrella with Diffusion
• Savage Universal White Background
• Lensbaby Omni
• Canon R5
• Canon RF 24-105
• Canon EF 24-70mm 2.8