Gobos allow photographers to paint with light by projecting shapes, numbers and textures directly into a scene. In this post you’ll learn how to use gobos for studio portraits and product work, plus a step-by-step birthday setup using number projections.
Why photographers love custom gobos
- Instant sets, no printing: Project windows, blinds, foliage, or 30 numerals without building a background.
- Depth & separation: A sharp or defocused pattern on the background adds shape and drama.
- Repeatable looks: Lock in a design that you can reproduce for a series or client brand.
Common Gobo projection tools
In order to use a gobo, photographers have different options that usually involve a slot between the light and lens to focus. Some popular options you’ll see in studios are:
- Westcott Optical Spot by Lindsay Adler — uses 66 mm (M-size) metal gobos, this is one of the most popular brands among our customers.
- Aputure Spotlight Mount — uses B-size (86 mm / 3.4″) gobos, also widely used, it required a higher size gobo and pairs with 19°, 26°, or 36° lenses for different beam angles.
- Nanlite Forza Projector (PJ-FMM / PJ-FZ60) — projector mount with shutters, it supports M-size gobos via a dedicated gobo holder.
- Godox SA-P Projection Attachment (with SA-17 Bowens adapter) — compact “optical snoot” system for tight, stylized projections.
Tip: Gobo sizes and holders aren’t universal. Make sure to select the correct gobo size when you are placing your custom gobo order. If you are not sure you can always select “other” and type the brand and model you are using.
Metal vs. glass gobos (for photographers)
| Material | Looks like | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal | High-contrast, mono; tiny “bridges” like a stencil | Bold numbers/letters, window blinds, geometric patterns | Sharp, durable, fast. Avoid ultra-thin lines. |
| Glass | Sharp; full-color or grayscale, no bridges | Brand graphics, gradients, colored backgrounds | High fidelity and color accuracy. |
Birthday studio recipe: “30th” number projection
This is a perfect example of a regular setup: project 30 onto the background/floor and pose the subject in or near the light. Here’s a reliable recipe you can adapt:
- Projection light: 100–300W COB LED (Aputure/Westcott/Godox) with your projection attachment.
- Gobo: Metal “30” number for a crisp mono look. If you want a name overlay, stack a second gobo or add a foreground cutout.
- Placement: Put the projector 6–12 ft from the background. Start perpendicular to the wall to avoid keystone distortion; angle slightly for drama.
- Focus: Rack focus until the edges are sharp. For dreamy looks, defocus 5–10°.
- Key light: Softbox or beauty dish for the subject at 45°, keep exposure about ½–1 stop below the projection so the pattern reads.
- Ambient control: Kill spill with flags/black foam core. Add haze sparingly if you want visible light rays.
- Camera start point: ISO 100–200, f/4–f/8, 1/125–1/200s. Nudge shutter or ISO to balance projection and key.
- Surface & color: Projection pops on neutral, matte surfaces.
Practical tips & troubleshooting
- Brightness first: If the pattern looks faint, shorten throw distance, use a narrower lens (e.g., 19°), or dim the key.
- Edge fringing: Some lenses show slight color fringing at the edges—stop down the projection iris or refocus.
- Keystone fix: Keep the projector square to the surface, or move farther back and zoom tighter.
- Heat & handling: Metal gobos run cool with LEDs, but glass still prefers clean, lint-free handling.
Order custom gobos for your studio
- Birthday numbers: Widely used in many studios, you can order custom metal gobos from us for any specific session. Some of the most popular numbers are: 18, 21, 30, among others.
- Textures: Window blinds, foliage and other textures can be found as stock gobos under the pattern gobos categories.
- Brand work: Client logos as custom gobos, just upload the file on the website.
Ready to create your look?
- Order a custom gobo
- Need a size match? Tell us your projector brand and model, we’ll confirm B-size or M-size and ship fast.