Studio shooting with a grid

[HiSpec]

Recently I came across this light-modifier known as, 'grid'.

Can anyone tell me what it really does? It seems like it does the same thing as an umbrella... to diffuse and soften the light?

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by HiSpec
Recently I came across this light-modifier known as, 'grid'.

Can anyone tell me what it really does? It seems like it does the same thing as an umbrella... to diffuse and soften the light?

It's similar to a snoot in that it helps focus light, kind of like a bunch of mini snoots. Compared to a snoot, the main difference is that the grid will have a softer, less harsh, gradual falloff of light from center to edge. The light from a snoot has a hard edge, and more consistent light across the beam.

The softest light comes from the largest light sources close to the subject, i.e. umbrellas, softboxes, etc.

[AccentAE86]

grids basically control the spill from your lights. It gives you more control. I use them a lot. One reason why I hate umbrellas is because the light is all over the place and hard to control.