Add our exciting mask set to the MU30 Moon Unit™ to alter the shape of the light from the ringflash to become a giant ring, a cluster of stars, half-moons, a sunburst, clouds and a host of other shapes including your own custom creations. The mask set consists of twelve die-cut black paper masks that fit over the face of the 30-inch Moon Unit™ where they are retained by the black fabric circle mask. There are eight masks with predefined light patterns and four blank masks the user can cut with scissors or with a knife to create custom shapes.

The masks create exciting catchlights - instead of the time-worn rectangular or round eyelights that appear in uncontrollable positions, you can have any shape you want, perfectly placed.

The mask set also introduces non-concentric lighting effects in order to develop interesting subject and shadow modeling. In most portraiture, it is desirable to have some amount of non-linear shadowing to define facial and body features. This is normally accomplished with a combination of main and fill light sources, with the main light usually coming from a plane somewhat above the subject in order to give natural definition to the chin, the eye sockets, the nose, etc. These lighting fundamentals are taken into consideration in the Moon Unit™ masks except for the Star, Classic Ring and Ring of Stars. With these exceptions, the masks are designed to produce higher light levels at the tops, and lesser amounts of fill light at the bottoms. In addition to producing the exciting new catchlight possibilities, these masks introduce the subtle shadow modeling that is so important to excellent photography. In order to fine-tune the modeling and composition, the masks may be rotated in order to obtain any desired directionality to the lighting. For example, if the masks are rotated top to bottom, a Halloween effect (usually undesirable) will result wherein the eye sockets, nostrils and chin become “uplighted.” The Star, Classic Ring and Ring of Stars masks all produce concentric shadow modeling and are primarily included for the distinctive catchlights that they produce in the eyes.

Of necessity, the masks will reduce the total amount of light from the Moon Unit™. However, the closer the light source is to the model, the more pronounced the modeling effect will be, creating larger catchlights. For this reason the Moon Unit™ will often be used quite close to the subject – three to five feet – and light levels will be more than adequate to achieve whatever apertures are desired. A word of caution here: experienced photographers are aware that shooting from close lens-to-subject distances will produce fisheye effects – elongated noses and other undesirable features. Normally, about three feet is the closest practical shooting distance if these effects are to be avoided.

The set is comprised of die-cut black paper masks designed to conveniently offer light shaping capabilities while maintaining a light, flexible construction. As the mask set is not a highly durable product, you will need to handle and store the masks with care so that they are not ripped or damaged. Minor tears can be repaired with Scotch tape. In some configurations you may find it desirable to secure the masks to the Moon Unit™ with bulldog clips or other spring clips offered by office supply stores.

Size and Shape: The MU30-MASKS Mask Set contains twelve masks, each 30-inch diameter octagons. Eight of the masks have been die-cut with various shapes for different light-shaping possibilities. Four of the masks arrive “blank” or solid for you to cut your own designs with scissors or a knife.

Material: The set is comprised of die-cut black paper masks, designed to conveniently offer light shaping capabilities while maintaining a light, flexible construction. As the mask set is not a highly durable product, you will need to handle and store the masks with care so that they are not ripped or damaged. Minor tears can be repaired with Scotch tape.

Attachment: A single mask over the open face of the Moon Unit™ (resting on top of the front diffusion fabric), held in place by the black fabric edge piece that arrives with each Moon Unit™. In some configurations, you may find it desirable to secure the masks to the Moon Unit™ with bulldog clips or other spring clips offered by office supply stores.

The MU30-MASKS Moon Unit™ Mask Set is designed for use exclusively with the MU30 30-inch Moon Unit™, with each die-cut mask fitting over the assembled face of the Moon Unit™, held in place by the black fabric edge piece that arrives with each MU30 Moon Unit™. The masks cannot be used with the MU56 56-inch Moon Unit™.