Optical Spot Lighting Recipe Guide

The control and creativity you can achieve with an Optical Spot light modifier will fundamentally change your photography, and in this guide I share 25 different setups that utilize this creative tool for a wide range of visual 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!

Whether you want to create the appearance of sunlight streaming through a window, or a dramatic slice of light on the face, or streaks of rich color, or even a subtle pattern of dappled light on your background… all options are possible with the Optical Spot and I show you exactly what you need to create those setups in this guide!

If you shoot portraits, fashion, high school seniors, or even maternity portraits this guide has a range of setups that you can use to create a truly one-of-a-kind look for your subjects!

In this lighting recipe guide I provide the number of lights, power of the lights, distance of the lights, lighting diagrams, behind the scenes photos, and step-by-step instructions for achieving each look. Plus, I share special considerations for gobos and other specialty tools that create striking visual effects.

Want more control, precision and creativity than you’ve ever had before? Grab the Westcott Optical Spot by Lindsay Adler and this guide for an entirely new approach to lighting! (Note: All setups in this guide require the Optical Spot lighting modifier)

Each recipe contains the necessary info to replicate it:

• Step by step instructions
• Diagram of lighting scene
• Behind the scenes image of each setup
• Camera gear used
• Camera / lighting settings
• Tips to achieve a better image
• Gear guide