Light sources

Optical spot / gobo

A focusing optical spot with a metal or glass gobo — a cut stencil, not a cinema projector. The template decides where light is missing; it cannot throw a photograph, gradient, or ornament from a laptop.

Setups using this tool

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Best example in this library

Projector Gobo Fashion

An optical projector throws a hard patterned shadow across the subject and set.

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Optical spot / gobo, rigged as it is used — A focusing optical spot with a metal or glass gobo — a cut stencil, not a cinema projector

How to use this tool

What it does

Turns a hard beam into graphic shape by blocking parts of it. Focus and distance control pattern sharpness; larger distance = sharper pattern edges until falloff.

When to use it

Fashion backgrounds, noir blind bars, themed campaigns, and separating pattern-on-background vs pattern-on-face lessons. Reach for a video projector instead when the light itself must carry a picture.

What to look for in the photo

Sharp or soft bars/leaves on wall; face may stay clean while background carries story; watch for pattern crawling if subject moves.

Placement basics

Focus pattern on background with subject slightly forward so spill does not muddy face. For face patterns, spot down and accept higher contrast.

Distance & power

Projector farther from surface = sharper pattern; closer = larger scale. Meter pattern highlight separately from skin when possible.

Common mistake

Accidental pattern across eyes when lesson is background-only. Fix: flag projector spill or move subject forward.

Pro tip

A dedicated soft key on face + projector on background is the cleanest teaching combo.

Practice on set

Focus pattern on blank wall; mark subject stand position.
Set face key independent of projector.
Shoot projector-only background test.
Combine; flag any projector spill on cheek.

Pairs well with

Related setups

Strongest matches for this tool — 3 of 4 shown. Browse all in the library →