The Flexibility of Fresnel Lenses: Beautiful Lighting for Photography and Cinematography

Discover the world of Fresnel lenses! Originally designed for lighthouses, these lenses have found extensive use in photography and cinematography due to their adaptability and capacity to focus light.
Unlike convex lenses, they are lighter yet retain essential features that guide light efficiently over long distances. They were refined by Augustine Fresnel in the 1820s and are perfect for fashion and background lighting as well as creating precise spotlights.
Their advantage lies in the ability to move the lens or light source, allowing for modifications to focus and beam. Moreover, they offer a polished gradation of light that enhances the professional appearance of photographs and videos.
Compared to honeycomb grids, they provide greater versatility and can create a wide flood to tight spotlight beam with a smooth gradient.
Discover how you can incorporate these lenses into your craft today!
Highlights
🗒️ Fresnel lenses are a key modifier for photographers and cinematographers.
🗒️ Invented by Augustine Fresnel in 1820, initially for lighthouse beams.
🗒️ Fresnel lenses are efficient at casting a narrow, powerful beam of light.
🗒️ They create more professional backgrounds than honeycomb grids.
🗒️ Adjusting the lens or light source enables diverse lighting effects.
🗒️ The wider beam setting of a Fresnel lens can create harder shadows.
🗒️ Fresnel lenses are ideal for emulating sunlight in a studio setting.
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#photographytips #LightingMagic #modifiers #FashionPhotography #beautyphotography #photographystudio #photographer #flashphotography #fresnel

[@TaavP]

I love those lenses. For trivia, the lighthouse in Sagres (cabo de São Vicente) has 3 giant Fresnel lenses that take months to clean properly. Produces 3 rotating beams separated by 5s each.
I wouldn't say they are revolutionary since they are around for ages in photography. One of my fav photos I took was a fashion photography with one of these

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I'd love to see that Lighthouse! No of course we meant revolutionary at the time.

[@TaavP]

@@VisualEducationStudio yes 😁 if you want to come and see the lighthouse in person, I can arrange your stay eheh the lighthouse is super nice also because of the nature surrounding it (search if you haven't already 😊)

[@VisualEducationStudio]

This one: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighthouse_of_Cabo_de_S%C3%A3o_Vicente

[@lsdst]

Fantastic

[@6r4metroman]

I have a Fresnel lens, it is one of the best mood modifiers I have, just love the feel it gives to images...

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Yes I agree!

[@clissonplage]

Great for explaining Fresnel Lenses

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you liked it

[@kalyanweddings]

thank you for explaining Fresnel Lenses

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure!

[@2011troya]

Never really knew how to use these. Thanks so much for this

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Welcome!

[@josephchan4198]

Thanks for sharing.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Our pleasure!

[@Nypics]

Thanks for a great review of the fresnel - especially interesting that the wider flood position produces a cleaner harder shadow! As the saying goes- 'Everything old is new again' - classic movie lighting fixtures for many years - making their presence felt in the still world. I think still shooters can learn a LOT from studying cinematography lighting - and the increasing use of powerful and affordable LED constant lighting is introducing many still shooters to some of these concepts.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks and yes absolutely

[@RalfWeyer]

Thank you so much for that explanation and showing the difference between the different positions, never thought about the hardness of the shadows being basically reversed compared to other light modifiers.
I have to say I absolutely love the results from the Fresnel light modifiers you showed, the light looks very interesting and flattering at the same time, and still has this kind of bite to it (positively).
Unfortunately these are quite expensive as you mentioned yourself, but great modifiers nevertheless.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@gonvonzola]

Great vid. What‘s the manufacturer of the mini version again pls?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi, thanks. They were broncolor.

[@Just-a-bystander]

Apparently, the auto voice to text service doesn’t clearly understand how Karl speaks his name. Lol.. apparently his name is written out as Kyle Taylor… in several videos.