How to Use Flash Gels to Transform Your Lighting

Flash gels are thin sheets of colored plastic placed over your flashgun, strobe, or other artificial light source to change the color or quality of light. Although they were originally made from gelatin (hence the name “gels”), today they’re made from durable plastic—cheaper, longer-lasting, and much easier to use.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to use flash gels for:

  • Balancing flash with ambient light

  • Adding creative color effects

  • Reducing flash power

  • Softening light for portraits and product shots

Types and Sizes of Gels

Lighting gels come in different sizes—from small sheets for speedlights to large rolls used in theaters. Most photographers start with gel kits made specifically for speedlights. These are affordable, pre-cut, and come in the most useful colors.

Top manufacturers include Lee Filters and Rosco, though unbranded kits are widely available too.

How to Attach Gels to a Flash 

  • Velcro strips: The most common method. Attach velcro to the flash head and the gel edges.

  • Gel holders: Plastic holders that slide onto the flash.

  • Elastic bands: A quick, budget-friendly option.

For continuous or hot lights, make sure your gels are rated for high temperatures so they don’t melt. Speedlights generally don’t get hot enough to cause problems.

Light Loss with Gels

All gels reduce light output. The stronger the color, the greater the loss. Typically, this is less than one stop of light—easy to compensate for by slightly increasing flash power.

Durability

Plastic gels are durable, resistant to tearing, and usually last for years. Over time, colors may fade if exposed to direct sunlight, but under normal use they remain reliable.

Using Gels to Match Flash with Ambient Light

Flashes are balanced for daylight, but indoor lighting varies:

  • Tungsten (orange)

  • Fluorescent (green)

  • Sunset / shade (cooler tones)

Color correction gels allow you to balance your flash with these conditions:

  • CTO (Color Temperature Orange): Match flash to tungsten light or warm up skin tones.

  • CTB (Color Temperature Blue): Match tungsten light to daylight.

  • Green (Plus Green): Match flash to fluorescent light.

These gels come in different strengths (¼, ½, full), letting you fine-tune the effect.

👉 Pro tip: Sometimes not matching can make your subject pop. For example, leaving your flash ungelled during cloudy conditions makes your subject stand out with warmer tones against a cooler background.

Creative Uses of Flash Gels

Beyond correction, gels can be used to add drama and style:

  • Change background colors with red, purple, or blue gels.

  • Light subjects with multiple gelled flashes for bold effects.

  • Combine gels with white balance shifts for unexpected results.

ND and Diffusion Gels

  • ND Gels (Neutral Density): Reduce flash output when even minimum power is too strong (e.g., shallow depth of field in low light).

  • Diffusion Gels: Soften harsh light for flattering portraits, macro shots, or product photography.

Remember: the stronger the diffusion, the greater the light loss.

Final Thoughts

Flash gels are one of the most affordable and versatile tools in a photographer’s kit. Whether you’re aiming for natural, balanced lighting or bold, creative effects, a simple set of gels can completely transform your shots.

If you own a flash, investing in a gel kit is a small step that can unlock big creative possibilities.

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