dparker708

Can someone tell me how and when to use gels and information on color combinations?

Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

I'm experimenting with them now as well. They are used over the light source and can give quite nice effects in some cases. I have four colors and have just played with them a little so can't give you much info at this point. I'm sure you will get more in depth responses shortly.

dparker708

Thank you for responding. Are you mixing the colors?

greymule Loc: Colorado

I often use a yellow plastic or gel to cover my Speedlight when shooting outdoors with reduced flash power.

I personally like "warm" light photos, and the slight warming I get is pleasant.

Roger Salls Loc: Stratford, CT

Go online to either Rosco or Lee filters for info and to see the selection of filters available. Another place that's much more than filters is setshop.com

myts10 Loc: SE Ohio

I've been experimenting with them also, in a continuous light setup.
Color combinations or mixing is anything you can think of. I got the sample packs from both Rosco and Gam Filters. The Gam filters are bigger, therefore easier to see light effects. The Rosco has better documentation and a wider range of colors shades. You can print out Rosco technical data from their site.
Correction gels are used to rise or lower the Kelvin temperature of a light source. Like getting one of those yellowish CFL bulbs to look like a nice bright tungsten bulb. It's easier to use all bulbs of the same Kelvin range say warm white, daylight or what ever you like. Some light bulbs have a color peak in them, like a green spike in an LED light. A 1/4 minus green will correct that.
Most of the solid or vivid colors I use on a gray background to change it to any color I want. You will need flags or barn doors to keep that light off your subject. I've used 2 layers of red crape paper on the background. Cheaper and it works just as well.
Enhancing or Cosmetic gels are put on the key and fill lights AFTER setting the white balance. The Gam site has excellent pictures that shows the effect on people.
Start with a sample pack, hours of fun. Than buy the 1/4 or 1/2 sheets, that's effect not size. Like you can get the 1/2 tough white. If it is not enough you can use 2 of them to get full tough white. Mark each piece of filter with it's name, that will save a lot of guess work latter. Try to keep notes about each filter and what you see, like or don't like about it.
Good luck. Gary

dparker708

Thank you all for your info about gels. I'm on my way out to experiment. If I get any good shots I'll post. Thank you again, I can always count on UH.

Nevada Chuck

Those above advising use of the gels over the light source are correct. There are gel filters made for use in front of the lens (generally made to fit the Cokin P series filter holder), but I wouldn't expect acceptable optical quality from them. For snap shots that are going to remain 4x6, or maybe 5x7, you can probably get a way with them, but generally, us gels in front of the light.