Gobo masks are light modifiers that are made in the form of a stencil with a certain pattern. They are installed between the light source and the model, allowing you to form an unusual shadow pattern that gives your photos a special charm. Photographer Bill Lawson shows that such modifiers can easily be found among common household items.
The basic, but not mandatory, condition for using home equipment as gobo masks is to have perforations. You can use anything that will let the light in and form a shadowy pattern. Lawson used objects like lace cloth, a colander, a plastic dish dryer, a straw hat, a dustpan with holes in it, a chair with a wicker pattern, and artificial flowers as examples. The light source in his experiment was a regular flash mounted on the side of the model.
By changing the distance between the light source and the object selected as a gobo, you can influence the formation of the pattern, changing the scale and nature of the shadow. By placing the subject closer to the model you get a tighter shadow. By moving the subject closer to the light source, you get a more blurry shadow pattern.
Lawson filmed his experiment on video, which is available here:
youtube.com/watch?v=itP6oBL4fE8
Here are examples of photos that we were able to get with Lawson’s chosen subjects :
lace fabric
dish dryer
scoop
colander
chair
hat
artificial flowers
What are some common examples of gobo masks that can be found at home?
What are some examples of common gobo masks that can be found in a home setting?
Some examples of common gobo masks that can be found in a home setting include floral patterns, geometric shapes, animals like birds or butterflies, abstract designs, stars and moons, and classic symbols like hearts or arrows. These masks are often used with lighting fixtures to create beautiful projections and enhance the atmosphere of a room or space. Gobo masks provide an easy way to add personalized and decorative elements to any home setting.
Can you please provide more details or examples of the seven gobo masks that can be found at home?
Sure! Gobo masks are traditional African masks used for rituals and ceremonies. The seven types commonly found at home include the Kpelie mask, used by the Senufo people for harvest ceremonies; the Pwo mask, representing female ancestors in Chokwe culture; the Bwa plank mask, representing animals and spirits in Burkina Faso; the Goli mask, used in funerals and celebrations by the Baule people; the Ngil mask, used for initiation ceremonies by the Fang people; the Chokwe mask, representing powerful spirits; and the Sogoni Koun mask, representing wisdom and knowledge in Bamana culture. Each mask has its own unique symbolism and cultural significance.
Can you please provide more information on what exactly a gobo mask is, and how and why would one find seven of them at home?