Colored filters for flash

[cabledawg]

Whats the purpose? Do they act similar to lens filters? Just wondering since I found some for my Sunpak 422. I havent gotten into much flash photography yet but thought if it makes so cool effects I'd try them out.

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[mjhoward]

Some are used to match color to ambient light. For instance, you may not want to use a bare flash outside in the sun because the flash will look blue with WB set for ambient light. In this case you would use a CTO gel which will add warmth to the flash and help match ambient light. Other times a photographer may just want to use a colored gel to change the color of a gray backdrop or add artistic or dramatic elements to a scene.

[Infidel]

Regarding matching strobe output to ambient, the gels are crucial because this correction is difficult, if not impossible in post prod.

[Solarflare]

Its used for fill flash (link goes to a longer explanation from Ken Rockwell).

[cabledawg]

Thanks everyone for the quick responses! So I was somewhat correct in my assumption that it acts like the colored filters for the lens.

Well I'll get these inserts and try 'em out. If nothing else, I dont like/use them and they go into the "spare parts" camera bag and I'm only out $20.

[mjhoward]

Thanks everyone for the quick responses! So I was somewhat correct in my assumption that it acts like the colored filters for the lens.

Well I'll get these inserts and try 'em out. If nothing else, I dont like/use them and they go into the "spare parts" camera bag and I'm only out $20.

What's the kit look like? I've got this one and am pretty happy with it: ExpoImaging Rogue Gels Universal Lighting Filter Kit ROGUEGELS-U

[Mike_E]

You can also use them to color a background.

[cabledawg]

Thanks everyone for the quick responses! So I was somewhat correct in my assumption that it acts like the colored filters for the lens.

Well I'll get these inserts and try 'em out. If nothing else, I dont like/use them and they go into the "spare parts" camera bag and I'm only out $20.

What's the kit look like? I've got this one and am pretty happy with it: ExpoImaging Rogue Gels Universal Lighting Filter Kit ROGUEGELS-U

On the 422D, there is a kit (TL-6) that has a fresnel lens and built in bounce flap, but also has slots for the matching 9pc filter kit (FK-1). I have the TL-6 and found a good deal on a complete and fairly unused FK-1.

[morganza]

Some are used to match color to ambient light. For instance, you may not want to use a bare flash outside in the sun because the flash will look blue with WB set for ambient light. In this case you would use a CTO gel which will add warmth to the flash and help match ambient light. Other times a photographer may just want to use a colored gel to change the color of a gray backdrop or add artistic or dramatic elements to a scene.

Thanks for the advice!