2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Week 1

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Week 1

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Week 1, Swatch Books

Little bundles of colored plastic with strange names, otherwise known as lighting-gel swatch books. There is no right or wrong way to use a swatch book, but they do present a wide variety of creative options.

Swatch books are a staple for any lighting designer, tech, photographer or filmmaker, and are the perfect color assistant when you’re looking for a specific tone or temperature, but aren’t sure what sheets to buy. Online resources and phone apps are useful, but nothing compares to being able to look at, and through, the gel you are considering for your design.

Gel is typically fully tested before use in a practical situation, that way you know exactly which gel was tested, how it was tested, and how you can incorporate my results into practice. If the gel in question will be used on a camera lens, place it on the lens and look through the eyepiece. If a gel will be used on a certain type of lamp, shine the light through the gel and onto your hand, and also onto a white card. This quick test shows me exactly how each gel will look when attached to a particular fixture.

The respective swatch books supplied by the competing gel manufacturers  (such as Rosco, Lee, and Great American Market) offer varying amounts of technical information on each gel. These details generally vary in their degree of usefulness, and are based solely on internal company tests. Only by doing your own testing will you have results that are accurate for your personal exposure and color meters, which may differ from the instruments used during the manufacturers' tests. 

Swatch books make great stocking stuffers for the theatre major or lighting designer in your family! The individual swatches also fit perfectly onto camera flashes for light testing or creative experimentation! We also have handy gel grab bags available which include 5 Roscolux or Lee 20" x 24" full gel sheets; boasting one Red, Green, Blue, Amber, and one surprise color. Ideal for that upcoming dance performance or entertainment production, get the color and variety you need today for only $20; that's a savings of 45%!

Who needs swatch books in their stockings this year?

Shall we send you a message when we have discounts available?

Remind me later

Thank you! Please check your email inbox to confirm.

Oops! Notifications are disabled.

© Content 2002-2024 StageSpot, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Developed by CzarGroup Technologies