Photography Cucoloris, Fingers & Dots

Cucolorises, fingers, and dots are all helpful tools for changing the quality of natural and artificial lighting on a movie or photography set. Each of these tools has slightly different functions to improve and customize the look of your lighting.

What is a Cucoloris and How Does it Work?

A cucoloris is often referred to as a cookie in filmmaking and photography, and it’s used to create dappled or patterned shadows on a subject or background. Similar to a lighting gobo, this tool is particularly useful for adding texture, depth, and visual interest to a scene. It’s also a creative way to break up harsh or even lighting.

Hard vs Soft Cucolorises

Hard cucolorises are rigid, often made of metal or wood, and are used for more precise and defined shadow patterns. Soft cucolorises are made of flexible materials like fabric or cardboard, and they can create softer and more diffused shadow patterns. Soft cookies are typically stretched over a stainless steel or aluminum frame for ease of use and positioning.

How to Use a Cucoloris

You should always position your cucoloris between the lighting source and the subject. When you move a cookie closer to a light source, you soften the edges of shapes and shadows. When you move it further away, shadows and edges appear harder. For example, when you want a natural-looking light effect similar to sunlight shining through tree leaves, position the cookie far away from the subject and closer to the light source.

It’s always a good idea to take test shots or footage when you’re working with lighting modifiers like gobos or cookies. This helps ensure that your changes look natural on camera, as the effects may look different to your eye than they do in your footage.

Understanding Fingers and Dots

Fingers and dots are similar to fabric scrims but on a smaller scale. These modifiers can reduce hotspots or help you fine-tune your lighting look.

Light Loss with Cucoloris, Fingers, and Dots

Any time you position an obstacle between your light source and your subject, you’ll lose some light transmission. It’s important to meter your lighting after setting up diffusers and modifiers like cucoloris, fingers, and dots, and adjust your camera settings accordingly.

Create High-Quality Lighting Looks

Advantage Gripware, American Grip, Chimera, and Matthews are some of the most respected lighting accessory names in the motion picture industry, thanks to their well-designed products. Get the quality lighting look you want in your photography or video footage by choosing gear from these companies.