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How to Create Polarized Gel

Photography gels are colored panels of transparent material that are placed in front of a studio light to add an effect to the scene the photographer is shooting. While these gels can be purchased at most major photography retailers, you can make them at home using small PVC piping and securing panel to the frame. Once done the panel can be placed in front of your studio strobe or continuous light source.

Things You'll Need

3 12-inch lengths of 1/2-inch PVC piping
4 1/2-inch PVC elbows
1 1/2-inch PVC "T" connector
2 6-inch lengths of 1/2-inch PVC piping
2 12-inch lengths of Velcro

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase the polarizing gel panel from a photography retailer. Photography gels are specialized items designed to work with photography lights. Buy a panel that is 12-by-12 inches.
- 2
  Assemble the PVC frame by connecting three of the 12 -inch lengths of PVC piping. First connect to the "T" connector then go into the frame to complete the box. This final length is the bottom of the frame and the open part of the "T" connector should face down where it will slide on top of a light stand.
- 3
  Peel the protective strip off of the Velcro strips. Attach each Velcro strip to the frame. Attach the other portion of Velcro strip to the Gel. Attach the polarizing gel to the frame.
- 4
  Place the frame on top of light stand. Position the gel in front of the studio light and you are ready to start shooting.

Photography