The Effective Uses of Gobos
A physical template placed in front of or slotted inside a lighting source controlling the shape of emitted light is ‘GOBO’. The name is derived from ‘Go Between’ or ‘Goes Before Optics’ that is originally used on film sets.
These gobos are made either from glass or from thin metal. Glass gobos are more better to prefer as it can be textured or coloured to create pleasing effects. The Glass gobos can be used with any kind of intricate designs and artwork with colourful pictures and hence they are bit expensive.
On other hand, metal gobo have most elegant look and are usually projected in white colour. However coloured lighting gel can be placed over the fixture if you want colourful metal gobos. As metal gobos have limited designs, they are less expensive as compare to glass gobos. Beside metal and glass, one can use anything which will not burn or melt in very close proximity to hot light to create the gobos.
But when generally we use it or see it? There are many such places where we see gobos. Music Nights, Discos, promotional campaigns, Live concerts, weddings monograms, parties are the places where we see lights in various shapes and colours. These are the occasions when lighting instruments are extensively used and wherein it is desirable to make manipulations with the shapes of light that is cast over a space or object.
Such manipulations are done with the shapes of light by using a piece of material with patterned holes, through which light passes, is placed in the beam of light to allow only the desired shape, size, design or pattern blocking the rest part of the light.
Although there are thousands of gobo images available in market. You can even create custom gobos as per your needs. The custom gobos are especially useful in corporate world to create company logos. You can even see light gobos programmed into moving images. Most of the times this is seen on wall or floor of booth as lights are attention getters and attract more crowd.
Gobos are not just a tool which is used for decoration purposes but also use for promotion of certain products or brands. Through its attractive designs and beautiful colours, it can set an atmosphere or a mood for particular event. The gobos are also handy creative lighting tools for interior and studio portrait photographers. Another important use of gobos is promotion of messages in event. As they are very impressive and visual, the messages sent by gobos can create ever lasting impression in the minds of viewers.
Hence, no matter where you find gobo, this cost-effective tool can add elegance and ambiance wherever it has been used without breaking your budget.