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A comprehensive guide to photography lighting modifiers

By in Photography

A comprehensive guide to photography lighting modifiers

Photography is an art form that relies heavily on the interplay of light and shadow. In the pursuit of capturing stunning images, photographers often turn to lighting modifiers to shape and control the quality of light. These tools are indispensable for achieving the desired mood, emphasizing specific details, and creating visually striking compositions. Let’s delve into the world of lighting modifiers, exploring their types, functions, and the impact they can have on your photographic creations.

Understanding the basics

Shooting into the sun with Natural Light

Natural light

Natural light serves as the fundamental canvas upon which photographers paint their images. It is the essence of visual storytelling, offering an unfiltered representation of the world. The interplay of sunlight and shadows defines the mood, texture, and atmosphere of a photograph, making it a cornerstone in the art of capturing moments.

The impact of sunlight at different times of the day

Sunlight is dynamic, with its character evolving throughout the day. Understanding the nuances of natural light at different times is crucial for photographers seeking to harness its full potential.

  • Morning Magic: The soft, warm glow of the morning sun bathes scenes in a gentle, diffused light. Shadows are long, colors are rich, and the world awakens with serene beauty. It’s an opportune time for capturing landscapes and portraits with a tranquil ambience.
  • Midday Intensity: As the sun ascends, its rays become more direct, casting sharp shadows and intense highlights. This period presents a challenge but can also be leveraged for bold contrasts, especially in street photography or capturing vibrant colors in nature.
  • Golden Hour Elegance: The hour before sunset, often referred to as the golden hour, is a photographer’s dream. The sunlight is warm, soft, and casts a magical, golden hue. It’s an ideal time for portraits, landscapes, and capturing a romantic, ethereal ambience.
  • Twilight Allure: After the sun sets, during the twilight hours, the sky transforms into a canvas of deep blues and purples. This period, known as the blue hour, offers a unique opportunity for capturing cityscapes, silhouettes, and dreamy atmospheres.

Utilizing natural light modifiers like reflectors and diffusers

While natural light is inherently beautiful, photographers often seek to modify and enhance it for optimal results. This is where light modifiers, even in outdoor settings, come into play.

  • Reflectors: Reflectors bounce and redirect light, adding fill light to the scene. They come in various surfaces, such as gold for warmth, silver for brightness, and white for a natural fill. Reflectors bounce sunlight back onto the subject, effectively filling in shadows and providing a more even illumination. Whether silver for a crisp fill or gold for a warm tone, reflectors are invaluable tools for controlling contrast and adding a flattering touch to portraits.
  • Diffusers: These handy tools soften and scatter harsh sunlight, creating a more pleasing and flattering light source. Diffusers are particularly useful during midday shoots when the sunlight is intense. They help eliminate harsh shadows, reduce contrast, and produce a more even and gentle illumination.

In the realm of photography, understanding and harnessing the ever-changing qualities of natural light, complemented by strategic use of modifiers, is an art form that elevates the visual narrative and brings out the true essence of a scene.

Phottix G-Capsule 85cm Softbox & Godox AD400 strobe
Phottix G-Capsule 85cm Softbox & Godox AD400 strobe

Artificial Light

Introduction to artificial lighting sources (Strobes, speedlights, continuous lights)

In the intricate dance of light and shadows within photography, artificial lighting sources play a pivotal role in providing control, consistency, and creative flexibility. These sources come in various forms, each catering to specific needs and scenarios.

  • Strobes: Strobes, also known as studio flashes, are powerful bursts of light emitted in a short duration. They are versatile and commonly used in studio setups for portrait and commercial photography. Strobes deliver intense, instantaneous bursts of light, allowing photographers to freeze motion and capture crisp, well-lit images.
  • Speedlights: These are compact, portable flashes designed for on-the-go photographers. Mounted on the camera or placed off-camera, speedlights are excellent for events, weddings, and outdoor shoots. They provide a convenient solution for adding fill light or creating dynamic lighting setups in various environments.
  • Continuous Lights: Unlike flashes that emit brief bursts of light, continuous lights stay on, providing constant illumination. These lights are beneficial in situations where a photographer needs to see the real-time effect of the light, such as in video production or when working with subjects who may be sensitive to sudden flashes. I adore using the LumeCube RGB Mini sticks for creating all sorts of effects in the studio.

The need for modifiers to shape and soften artificial light

While artificial lighting sources offer precision and control, unmodified light can be harsh and unflattering. This is where lighting modifiers step in, acting as transformative tools to shape and soften the artificial light emitted by strobes, speedlights, or continuous lights.

  • Softboxes: Softboxes are perhaps the most popular and effective modifiers for shaping artificial light. They are designed to diffuse and soften the light, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a gentle, flattering illumination. Softboxes come in various shapes and sizes, offering versatility for different photography genres.
  • Umbrellas: Reflective or shoot-through umbrellas are versatile modifiers that can quickly modify the character of artificial light. Reflective umbrellas bounce light back onto the subject, providing a softer, more even illumination. Shoot-through umbrellas, on the other hand, diffuse light for a broad and gentle effect.
  • Beauty Dishes: These specialized modifiers are renowned for creating a pleasing balance between softness and definition. Beauty dishes produce a soft but focused light with a central hot spot and gradual falloff, making them popular for portrait photography.
  • Snoots and Grids: When precision is paramount, snoots and grids come into play. Snoots concentrate light into a narrow beam, ideal for highlighting specific details, while grids narrow the spread of light, enhancing control and creating more defined shadows.
  • Reflectors: Reflectors aren’t limited to natural light; they are equally valuable in shaping artificial light. By bouncing light back onto the subject, reflectors fill in shadows, reduce contrast, and contribute to a more flattering and dimensional look.
Combination of Softbox and beauty dish used
A combination of softbox and beauty dishes used

Soft modifiers

Soft modifiers in photography refer to a category of lighting modifiers designed to create gentle, diffused, and even illumination. These modifiers are characterized by their ability to soften shadows, reduce contrast, and produce a flattering, wraparound light. They are widely used in portrait photography and other scenarios where a subtle and natural-looking light is desired. Here are some common types of soft modifiers:

  • Reflectors: Reflectors bounce and redirect light, adding fill light to the scene. They come in various surfaces, such as gold for warmth, silver for brightness, and white for a natural fill. They are used in both natural light and artificial lighting setups to enhance shadows, reduce contrast, and add catchlights to the eyes. A great reflector is a 5-1, which is available in different sizes and has white, silver, gold, black and a diffuser.
  • Softboxes: Available in different shapes and sizes, softboxes are designed to create a broad and even source of light. They work by diffusing and scattering light, resulting in soft shadows and flattering skin tones. These are ideal for portrait photography, fashion shoots, and product photography where a soft, wraparound light is desired. Used in portrait and product photography.
  • Umbrellas: These modifiers create a broad, even light source. They are also portable and versatile modifiers. You have the option to choose between reflective vs. shoot-through umbrellas. Reflective umbrellas bounce light back onto the subject, while shoot-through umbrellas allow light to pass through, creating a softer effect. They produce a wide, diffused light. These versatile modifiers are perfect for portraits, group shots, and events. Reflective umbrellas can be used for more directional light, while shoot-through umbrellas provide softer, more even illumination.
  • Beauty Dishes: Beauty dishes produce soft yet defined shadows, making them ideal for portrait photography. They add dimension and highlight facial features. Beauty dishes produce a soft yet defined light with a central hot spot and gradual falloff. They are excellent for highlighting facial features and creating catchlights in the eyes. Widely used in portrait photography, beauty dishes are favored for their ability to add dimension to the subject while maintaining a soft look.

One of the best soft modifiers I have used is the Phottix G-Capsule. I have the 85cm softbox which offers a softbox, beauty dish, and umbrella all in one. A mix of an 85cm softbox and a 45cm beauty dish gives a beautifully lit portrait (see image above). The telltale signature of two catchlights in the model’s eyes tells where the lights were placed. Round softboxes and beauty dishes give round catchlights, whereas strip boxes and square softboxes will give square or oblong catchlights.

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Hard modifiers

A hard modifier in photography refers to a type of lighting modifier that produces a more focused and defined beam of light. Unlike soft modifiers which create a diffused and gentle illumination, hard modifiers maintain the sharpness and intensity of light, resulting in more pronounced shadows and highlights. These modifiers are characterized by their ability to produce a more direct and concentrated lighting effect.

  • Grids: Control the spread of light, narrowing it into a more focused beam. They help prevent light spills and create more defined shadows. Ideal for highlighting a subject against a dark background or when you need to control light spill in a confined space. In the image above, a large grid was used to create harsh highlights and strong shadows.
  • Snoots: Concentrate light into a narrow beam, creating a spotlight effect. They are used to emphasize specific details or create dramatic highlights with a defined edge. Useful in portrait and product photography where precision and control over light direction are crucial.
Snoot used to create spotlight effect
Snoot used to create spotlight effect

Specialized modifiers

Specialized modifiers in photography refer to a category of lighting modifiers that are designed for specific creative purposes or to achieve particular effects in the image. These modifiers go beyond the standard softboxes, umbrellas, and reflectors, offering photographers unique tools to enhance their creativity and add distinctive elements to their work.

A combination of Projector and a flash in an old light fixture was used to create the lighting here
A combination of Projector and a flash in an old light fixture was used to create the lighting here

Here are some examples of specialized modifiers:

  • Ring lights: Ring lights create a unique, circular catchlight. Ideal for portrait and fashion photography, they reduce harsh shadows and provide soft, even, and shadow-free illumination. They are also commonly used to create a unique circular catchlight in the eyes. As such, they are popular modifiers for creating captivating close-up shots.
  • Gobos and cookies: These modifiers are great for incorporating patterns and textures into the scene. You can add interest to backgrounds and create storytelling elements. Gobos (go-betweens) and cookies introduce patterns or textures into the scene. They create interesting shadows and add visual interest to backgrounds. They are also often used in theatrical photography, creative portraits, and adding a storytelling element to the composition.
  • Silk and Diffusion Panels: These modifiers soften light in outdoor settings. They soften and diffuse harsh sunlight or artificial light to mimic the effect of overcast skies. As such, they are perfect for achieving a natural, even look. They are essential for outdoor photography when you need to soften sunlight, reducing harsh shadows and creating a pleasing, natural look.
Julie Powell_Godox Projector
Godox Projector

DIY modifiers and hacks

DIY modifiers, short for “Do It Yourself” modifiers, are homemade or improvised tools that photographers create to modify and control light in their photography setups. These modifiers are often crafted from everyday materials or repurposed objects, providing cost-effective alternatives to commercial lighting accessories. Photographers use DIY modifiers for various reasons, including experimentation, customization, and budget constraints. Here are some common types of DIY modifiers and reasons why photographers choose to use them:

  • Household Items: Utilize everyday objects like aluminum foil, shower curtains, and more for creative lighting. Items like white bedsheets, shower curtains, and walls can be used to reflect or diffuse light creatively. As such, they are inexpensive alternatives for achieving unique lighting effects, especially in a pinch or for experimental photography.
  • Crafting Your Modifiers: Building a DIY softbox or beauty dish, or other modifiers allows for customization based on specific needs and creative vision. DIY modifiers are excellent for photographers on a budget or those who enjoy experimenting with different materials to achieve unique effects. A Pringles can for a snoot is a great alternative as well.

Summary

The introduction of artificial lighting sources broadens a photographer’s tool kit, offering enhanced control over the illumination of a scene. However, to achieve the desired mood and aesthetic, modifiers become essential. They enable photographers to sculpt and soften the artificial light to match their creative vision. Understanding these modifiers and their functions empowers photographers to choose the right tool for the job, unlocking creative possibilities and refining their craft.

In the dynamic world of photography, mastering the use of lighting modifiers is a journey that evolves with each photoshoot. Whether you’re aiming for soft, ethereal portraits or dramatic, high-contrast compositions, understanding the characteristics and applications of different lighting modifiers will empower you to elevate your craft and tell more compelling visual stories. As you experiment with these tools, remember that there are no strict rules — only guidelines to inspire your creativity and push the boundaries of what’s possible with light

Do you need all of these modifiers? No, definitely not. They can be borrowed, bought or created as you need them. It also depends on your style of photography. Think about the images you wish to capture and what light modifiers could be a benefit.

Interlockables Is Actual Furniture Kids Can Build Themselves

By in Design

Interlockables Is Actual Furniture Kids Can Build Themselves

One minute your baby is learning to crawl, the next minute they’re putting together furniture by themselves. At least with Interlockables they can! The collection, designed by New York-based design brand House of RoRo has a whimsical yet functional quality, very much reminiscent of the iconic wooden Elephant by the Eameses. In fact, like the Eameses, Belgian interior designer Anne-Sophie Rosseel (who also founded Rosseel Studio) believes that child-friendly furniture and objects should be able to exist in adult spaces and be given every bit of consideration as any other design, especially to reduce overconsumption. “I was looking for ways to combine toy storage with functional furniture that would look good in our home, while reducing the clutter. Kids grow fast and if I was going to make a product, I wanted it to be as sustainable as possible and not have it end up in landfill after 2 years,” the designer shares.

Made from plywood, Interlockables are furniture puzzle pieces that can be assembled together using the slot cutouts and the help of a friend or rubber mallet. There are eight total pieces: the Uma chair, Raymond rocker, Riva stool, Riva table, Sky side table, Box table, Book tower, and Box stool. Audrey Louise Reynolds, an artisanal dyer, custom developed food grade vegan wood stains specifically for House of RoRo using natural pigments – such as mushrooms, flowers, mica, and moss – mixed with a bio-based wood finish. The dyes give the collection a colorful, uniform, slightly transparent color wash.

kid holding red pieces of a red stool

kid assembling a red chair

kid assembling a red stool

red chair on the grass

Like the impetus for creating House of RoRo, which is to create long-lasting furniture that grows with the child’s needs and tastes and stays out of the landfill, the collection is sustainably made using FSC- and TSCA-certified wood, which means the material is sustainably sourced and passes toxicity checks. The pieces are all shipped flat packed with 100% recyclable packaging to further reduce its materials usage and carbon footprint. The wood finishes are zero VOC, food safe oil-based sealers and the waste CNC cut outs are turned into color samples shaped like small toys and puzzles.

close up details of red chair

plywood chair on the grass

plywood chair on the grass

red table next to wooden bench

plywood rocking chair

plywood table

plywood table

green book on plywood table next to chair

plywood table

dinosaur on plywood chair

plywood chair

plywood chair

plywood box stool

To shop the Interlockables collection, visit houseofroro.com.

This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase from an affiliate link, we earn a commission. Thanks for supporting Design Milk!

As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She’s probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.

Nostalgic 90s-Style Film Cameras

By in Photography

Nostalgic 90s-Style Film Cameras

The Moment Long Weekend 35mm Film Camera is a decidedly retro piece of photography equipment for shutterbugs to use as the perfect way to capture moments in a decidedly mindful manner.

The camera is optimized for use with 135 film with an ISO range from 200/400 and is equipped with a focus-free 31mm, F9 optical grade acrylic lens. These features combine to deliver a simple photography experience, which is further enhanced with a lack of adjustable shutter speed and aperture. A built-in flash makes the camera suited for low-light conditions. The unit is powered by a single AAA battery for the camera itself and the flash.

The Moment Long Weekend 35mm Film Camera is priced at $49.99 and available now for preorder with deliveries slated to take place starting December 26, 2023.

Meticulously Animated in Stop-Motion, ‘Up in Smoke’ Warns of Impending Climate Catastrophe from Burning Fossil Fuels

By in Art World News

Meticulously Animated in Stop-Motion, ‘Up in Smoke’ Warns of Impending Climate Catastrophe from Burning Fossil Fuels



A lone figure navigates swiftly vanishing terrain in a moving new stop-motion video from NOMINT (previously). Produced for WWF and presented this week as part of COP28, “Up in Smoke” follows a young woman as she floats on a melting ice floe, watches her home disintegrate, and witnesses wild animals unable to escape the toxic fumes.

A year in the making, the film included a full month dedicated to shooting entirely in-camera. “We employed a unique production process, integrating stop-motion animation with real smoke and using a full-color, 3D-printing technique to create over 700 unique sculptures for different poses of the girl,” the studio says.

“Up in Smoke” is set to a moving rendition of “When the Party’s Over” by The Social Singing Choir from Margate, originally performed by Billie Eilish and written by Finneas O’Connell. The song exposes the dynamic of an unhealthy relationship, emphasizing how unclear or deceptive messages lead to an emotional tug-of-war about the future.

As the scenes unfold, the central character bounds away from a plume of smoke, which destroys everything in its path. We’re reminded that burning fossil fuels is the primary driver of the climate crisis, and world leaders are encouraged to end reliance on coal, oil, and gas in favor of renewable energy.

Explore more work by NOMINT on the studio’s website, and learn more about the COP28 World Climate Action Summit.

 

All images © NOMINT, shared with permission

A gif from a stop-animation film depicting a young woman watching a silhouetted house fly off the ground in a plume of smoke and break apart.

A film still from a stop-animation film depicting a young woman running through a dark space, chased by a plume of smoke.

A gif from a stop-animation film depicting a young woman standing in a dark space, standing on a quickly-melting ice floe.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Meticulously Animated in Stop-Motion, ‘Up in Smoke’ Warns of Impending Climate Catastrophe from Burning Fossil Fuels appeared first on Colossal.

Class of 2023: Meghna Vemuri fashions a promising career path in a fie

By in Art World News

Class of 2023: Meghna Vemuri fashions a promising career path in a fie

By Leila Ugincius

Meghna Vemuri was a high school sophomore when she realized she wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry. But would her parents approve?

“I took marketing and entrepreneurship classes and always centered the topics of my projects around the fashion industry,” said the Fairfax native. “So, I started to do a lot of research on careers in fashion and decided it was what I wanted to pursue.”

By senior year, she was taking a fashion careers course — learning basic skills in fashion illustration, sewing and marketing — when professors from Virginia Commonwealth University visited to talk about its Fashion Design + Merchandising program.

It was exactly what Vemuri was looking for and, as an added plus, VCU was in-state. It seemed perfect. For Vemuri. But her family was another matter.

“I really had to convince [them],” she said. “I come from a family with very traditional career paths, and they were concerned about me pursuing fashion because they were scared that I wouldn’t have many career opportunities.”

Luckily she was able to convince them to let her attend VCU, where she has thrived majoring in fashion merchandising with a minor in general business.

Among her many accomplishments was co-leading the model committee for the 2023 VCUarts Fashion Event: Access – Runway Show at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in May, which she called an “amazing opportunity.” She also helped plan and facilitate events leading up to the Model Call, Jury, and Fittings show, as well as run back-of-house on the day of the show.

“The best part of this experience was working with my amazing team and working with all the designers and design professors,” Vemuri said. “It’s not often that merchandising gets to work so directly with the designers and their work, and I had so much fun being a part of this experience to showcase their achievements. I met so many amazing people and learned how to lead effectively and execute a professional fashion runway.” 

This past summer, Vemuri studied abroad in Florence, Italy, at the Santa Reparata International School of Art. “It was an incredible experience where I expanded my global viewpoints and gained so much creative inspiration from Italian art, fashion and culture,” she said. 

Vemuri had just as many impressive experiences stateside, she said, while working with her professors at VCU.

“All the professors in the fashion department are such amazing and dedicated people, so I feel lucky to have been able to be taught by this amazing array of faculty,” she said, noting that Tammy Davis and Deidra Arrington were particularly influential for her.

Davis teaches advanced event planning and her positive attitude affected Vemuri greatly.

“I had some difficulty assuming a leadership position in this course, and [Davis] always encouraged me and set an example for how to lead through kindness and respect,” Vemuri said. “Her humor and wittiness shone through the stories she told us about her many experiences, through which I learned lessons on how to stand up for myself and navigate the professional world.”

Arrington is not only the department chair, but also an associate professor who organized the Fashion Scholarship Fund case study program.

“I think I speak for everyone in the department when I say Professor Arrington is the warmest, most compassionate person ever,” Vemuri said. “Having her as a professor and mentor in the FSF program, I learned how to expand my perspective and think critically about my ideas in order to create an impact through my work. I look up to her so much and her unwavering support and words of advice will always stick with me.”

After graduating this semester, Vemuri will continue working as a freelance trend forecasting researcher for Fashion Snoops and make her way to New York, a dream she’s had for as long as she can remember. She visited the city in September for New York Fashion Week and volunteered for Sami Miro and Dur Doux.

“I loved every minute of it,” she said. “I’m drawn to the vibrancy of the city and the amalgamation of art, people and culture, and want to be a part of it.”

The VCU School of the Arts helped Vemuri grow in ways she never could have imagined, she said. And her family has embraced her career path. “Although they were nervous about me pursuing fashion, they are my biggest supporters, and I am so grateful that I was able to attend VCU to pursue what I love. … I have learned so much during my time here and am excited to open a new chapter in my life!”

How Samsung Has Led Innovations in Digital Signage for 14 Years

By in Art World News

How Samsung Has Led Innovations in Digital Signage for 14 Years

The role of digital signage has evolved exponentially over the last decade. While previously only seen in boardrooms and airport directories, use cases now expand far beyond, from quick serve restaurant drive-throughs to digital out-of-home (DOOH) locations like stadiums and malls. Due in part to its flexibility and versatility, traditional technology like whiteboards in the classroom and projectors in meeting rooms are being swapped out for digital signage that’s driving immersive experiences and creating opportunity for users and consumers everywhere.

Samsung Smart Signages have advanced immersion across various fields in 2023

As customers enter businesses and venues, they are immediately greeted by striking images of digital signage. These signage solutions are becoming a common sight across diverse industries, from the buzzing atmosphere of hotels and sports stadiums to the inspiring spaces of educational institutions and art galleries. They enrich customer experiences in every setting.

Digital signage is no longer perceived as a mere advertising display – it’s so much more. It has become one of the most sought-after media platforms for personalized information, content, education, sports, art, and more. These digital signage applications not only change the look and feel of the environment, but captivate and leave a lasting impression on its viewers.


DSE

As the role of signage in everyday life continues to evolve, so evolves the depth of the market itself, too. According to Fortune Business Insight, the digital signage market is expected to grow to more than $35 billion by 2026.1 Along with the industry’s substantial growth, Samsung Electronics has maintained its number one position in the market for 14 consecutive years,2 and continues to expand the boundaries of digital signage with its unrivalled technology.

Let’s take a look at how Samsung has continued to lead the global industry for 14 consecutive years during the heyday of digital signage.

More than a Background: Becoming Part of the Experience in Historic Monuments, Sports Arenas, and Ultra-Luxury Resorts

In today’s world, organizations across sectors aren’t just adopting new technologies – they are embracing a total experience that provides an integrated approach that combines internal and external facets of their operations. According to Gartner, it’s expected that by 2024, organizations providing a total experience will outperform competitors by 25% in satisfaction metrics, impacting both customer and employee experiences.3 Similarly, Samsung supports projects from inception to completion in a number of ways including mechanical design and training, site surveys, product delivery, and installation, ensuring customers are equipped with the tools to be successful.

In times of such transformation, digital signage plays a pivotal role. A perfect example can be found in the heart of Vatican City. At the historic St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, visitors gather from all corners of the world for a once in a lifetime ceremony from the Pope.

Visitors and worshippers can clearly view the proceedings through Samsung’s outdoor LED signage (XHB series, two measuring 7.935m x 4.83m and two measuring 5.865m x 3.105m) at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City

Enhancing this once-in-a-lifetime experience, Samsung has integrated advanced signage solutions seamlessly by installing four high-precision LED displays. The result is a dramatically improved experience for all in attendance, regardless of their physical positioning. Paired with audio solutions that deliver crystal clear sound, the technology ensures the Pope’s message resonates profoundly with everyone at the event.

In addition to bringing events closer to attendees, Samsung’s innovative technology turns any space into an immersive experience, filled with vivid colors, crystal clear picture quality and dynamic content. Capturing guest attention and ensuring a great experience is vital for any high-end destination. Digital signage solutions are a great tool for enabling this attraction and retention. A prime example of this in action is at one of the world’s top resorts, Atlantis the Royal in Dubai, with Samsung’s premium technology installed across the property.

Samsung LED signage behind lobby fish tanks
An awe-inspiring sight greets resort guests, made possible by Samsung LED signage installed behind the lobby fish tanks.
woman holding remote control for Samsung The Wall in hotel suite
Samsung’s innovative modular Micro LED display, The Wall enhances the hotel’s most luxurious guest suite, the Royal Mansion, measuring 146 inches with 4K (3,840 x 2,160) resolution.

Every moment of a guest’s stay is filled with awe-inspiring imagery and impressive displays for a one-of-a-kind experience – whether on their journey to the spa or in the hotel’s lobby where guests are met with the largest indoor LED displays installed on three large water tanks, projecting breath-taking scenes including a rainbow of fish swimming in the sea.

These displays also create an overwhelming atmosphere when bold content is paired with advanced technology. In Minute Maid Park – home of the Houston Astros, part of the US baseball league – Samsung upgraded impressive 6,875-square-foot primary scoreboard, left-field scoreboard and ribbon boards. Similarly, in Switzerland’s Swiss Life Arena, Samsung deployed display solutions including the largest indoor LED cube in Europe. As the most modern ice hockey arena in Switzerland, Swiss Life provides a drastically improved fan experience and enhanced operational efficiency thanks to Samsung.

Samsung LED display at Minute Maid Park
Minute Maid Park displays the impressive 6,875 square-foot scoreboard, giving fans a crystal-clear view from every seat in the house. It’s part of the larger videoboard that spans an impressive eight stories, featuring 5.3 million stunning LEDs designed to digitally enhance the fan experience.
Samsung LED Cube display at a hockey game at Swiss Life Arena
The central LED Cube display at Swiss Life Arena — measuring 12(w)x12(d)x8(h) meters — is the principal element of the fan experience with 416m² of the LED signage. Any one of the 12,000 seats within the area have a stunning view of the display.
More than Hands-on: A Transformative Education Experience with Samsung Smart Signage

Digital signage is powerful and has the ability to draw in a viewer, captivate them, and bring them to another world – it provides a truly transformative experience. This impact is felt across industries and when we look at the education space in particular, signage has made immeasurable improvements.

Recommended News

Samsung partnered with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to launch an unparalleled learning environment. The Immersive Room, equipped with 18 meters of Samsung LED screens across three walls provides incredible picture quality, detail, contrast, and color reproduction. Most importantly, its 12K image resolution empowers the University to push the boundaries of learning as the LED screens create virtual and augmented reality experiences and present a futuristic learning environment utilizing digital signage.

The University of Wales’ immersive space was an “Education Project of the Year” Finalist at the AV Awards 2023, recognized for the innovation it brings to education.

image
image

University of Wales Trinity Saint David transforms education with a state-of-the-art immersive room and impressive learning spaces. The three LED walls that make up the immersive space are equipped with 18 meters of Samsung LED signages.

Similarly, Syracuse University in the US deployed The Wall in its S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications, drawing in prospective students by highlighting students’ accomplishments and the school’s world-class learning environment. The Wall creates a ‘wow factor,’ leaving a lasting impression during campus tours.

student-spotlight-the-wall-syracuse-university
The Wall showcases inspiring stories of Syracuse student achievements and accomplishments, helping prospective students envision their successful future at the University.

Now, teachers can begin their lessons sooner, and spend more time creating immersive, connected learning experience for students. This impact isn’t going unnoticed, and in fact, Samsung announced the new Interactive Display (Model name: WAC) designed for simplicity and students at British Educational Training and Technology, the world’s largest education technology exhibition and International Society for Technology in Education this year.

When we think back on the impact Samsung has had on education, it’s apparent that it comes in all forms. Samsung’s interactive display, Flip Pro, provides an extended learning experience for teachers and students at the Hogg New Tech Center in Dallas, Texas.

With its comprehensive range of display solutions from The Wall and LED signage, to Interactive displays, Samsung was also recognized as the Best Overall IT Solution Provider for the Education Market by the 2023 EdTech Breakthrough Awards.

young girl drawing on Samsung Flip Pro
Hogg New Tech Center uses Samsung Flip Pro interactive display (Model name: WMB) to facilitate interactive learning and collaboration through multi-touch features and various connectivity options.
More than a Vision: Bringing Ideas to Life As a Digital Art Platform

Whether with a global audience or at a local school, Samsung’s immersive environments power learning, celebrations, content consumption and much more. But digital signage is an art too, and as Samsung continues to embrace its role as a media art platform, it’s enabling creatives to truly bring their vision to life.

The Wall for Virtual Production (Model name: IVC), which launched earlier this year, is an example of how companies, producers and creatives alike are creating and displaying their art with unparalleled quality. This addition to The Wall product line up enables creatives to use ultra-large LED walls to create virtual content, integrating them with real-time visual effects technology to reduce the time and cost of content production. The latest addition to The Wall series makes production faster and easier in TV, film and other industries, and was highlighted during industry events including InfoComm 2023 and IBC (International Broadcasting Convention) 2023.

man looking at an ocean displayed on Samsung The Wall for Virtual Production
The Wall for Virtual Production makes production faster and easier in TV, film, and other creative industries.

Samsung is bringing other art forms to life too. Recently, it displayed a masterpiece by contemporary Korean art leader, the late Park Seo-Bo, on The Wall All-in-One (IAB model) at New York’s Rockefeller Center. The first digital rendition of Park Seo-Bo’s iconic “Écriture” series (Video art title: [1 OF 0], directed by Jifan Park) is on The Wall’s immersive 146-inch 4K screen. The Wall All-in-One provides an awe-inspiring visual experience that replicates the intense colors and intricate textures of Park’s painting, allowing visitors to be fully immersed in the artwork. Dutch-American audiovisual artist, 0010×0010, also held an exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand that redefined the boundaries of modern art and explores the convergence of the digital and physical worlds – all by utilizing The Wall All-in-One.

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The first digital rendition of the late Park Seo-Bo’s iconic “Écriture” series (Video art title: [1 OF 0], directed by Jifan Park) is on The Wall’s immersive 146-inch 4K screen.

Samsung’s Smart Signage is revolutionizing various sectors by creating immersive, interactive environments in every corner of the world. Whether it’s an ultra-luxury resort in Dubai, an immersive and futuristic classroom at the University of Wales, or a video art exhibition by a renowned artist, Samsung’s Smart Signage is making profound impacts globally, and our lives more colorful and enriching. This journey, spanning over the last 14 years, has continuously redefined the very experience of digital communication, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Samsung’s Smart Signage, which has been ranked No. 1 in the industry for 14 consecutive years.

[1] Fortune Business Insights; The global digital signage market size stood at USD 19.78 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 35.94 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period (2019-2026)

[2] Samsung has maintained its No. 1 position as the leading LCD signage brand in market share for 14 consecutive years, as reported in the Omdia Q2 2023 Public Display Report. Samsung has also been the number one in combined sales for LCD and LED signage (The LED Video Display History Report provides sales data for LED signage from 2017 onwards; comprehensive data for LED signage sales is not available prior to 2017). Note. Consumer TVs, along with Commercial Lite and Hospitality TVs used for signage are excluded.

[3] Gartner; The Total Experience Strategy for Better Retail Digital Interactions

Mud, Water, and Heat Combine to Add Tactile Beauty to Terracotta Collection

By in Design

Mud, Water, and Heat Combine to Add Tactile Beauty to Terracotta Collection

Australian New Volumes’ approach to furnishings and objects could be surmised to be one in response to the diminishing presence of the natural, textural, and the imperfect – designs defined by a materiality serving modern living innately attuned to the earthly elements. The brand’s terrestrial aesthetic and ethos is in full display with the brand’s follow-up collection dedicated to various applications of baked clay, aka terracotta, for seating, lighting, entertaining, and display.

The form of Echo Low (above), Cove chair (center), and Echo High (right) by Thomas Coward reference classical Greco-Roman architecture realized in clay rather than marble.

The Pitcher Table and two Pitcher Stool by Adam Goodrum set across a fabric tarp and with table topped with small terracotta planter.

The Pitcher Table and Pitcher Stool by Adam Goodrum are sculpturally simple forms with just enough sharp angularity to keep the design contemporary.

A sequel to the brand’s first collection represented by objects made from 250-million-year-old Elba stone, the Collection 02—Terracotta is a more humble material and one described by New Volumes’ Creative Director Thomas Coward as “stories made from the mud.” The combination of clay mud with water aided by heat and time impart terracotta with its distinctive color and texture, a material that’s possibly the world’s first manufactured medium. Put to varied use by a small group of designers invited to interpret the traditional clay, the eight-piece collection takes on forms both recognizable and experimental at once.

A simple, patterned trio of terracotta vessels, each measuring around 600mm in length, based on a bark coolamon and water carrier.

Earth Wirri by Lucy Simpson was inspired by the form bark coolamons, water carriers, and other Australian Aboriginal designs.

A simple, elongated wall light, offered in two lengths – 400mm and 900mm with a linear shield-like form characterized by a central sharp line or ‘pinch’ that allows light to fall differently on each side of the terracotta.

The linear Pinch wall lamp designed by Kate Stokes is both lighting and wall sculpture characterized by a central sharp line or ‘pinch’ that allows light to fall differently on each side of the terracotta form.

A simple, elongated wall light, offered in two lengths – 400mm and 900mm with a linear shield-like form characterized by a central sharp line or ‘pinch’ that allows light to fall differently on each side of the terracotta.

Pinch wall lamp by Kate Stokes

A curvaceous terracotta form inspired by the at-times weird and wonderful shape of flowers.

The curvaceous Sol by Hattie Molloy was shaped to stoke curiosity and provide adaptable display opportunities for flowers or incense with its quartet of bulbous protrusions.

A free-flowing umbrella holder, inspiredby the ribbed oil and water jars of Greece. The three-part, compartment-like form is tapered for stability and form-ribbed for strength. Included in the range is a smaller vase version, along with a fruit platter with a ribbed base, designed to allow fruit to breathe.

Designer Chris Connell borrows the Greek word ‘Skafos’ meaning “vessel” to communicate the purpose of this contemporary umbrella holder and smaller vase.

A modular design consisting of five individual pieces that can be combined to create a tabletop sprout planter or used alone or in different combinations as a cake stand, serving plates, a dinner set or colander.

Megan Morton’s Harvest is a creation of multitudes: multipurpose, multiple of pieces, and a multitude of configurations.

Applied across various forms – seats, side tables, stools, vases, and even a sculptural modular colander set – the New Volumes Collection 02—Terracotta would not look out of place within the Arcological settings of Paolo Soleri’s Arcosanti (or perhaps as set pieces in the next season of Andor), tinged sumptuously by Australian mineral mud and shaped wearing the telltale signs of its creators.

A terracotta arm chairs against a white floor.

“The designers who took part in this collection are as diverse as the products they have created. From established names to exciting new faces, all possess a fiercely individual approach and style, and have taken to the material with gusto,” notes New Volumes Creative Lead, Thomas Coward.

Two terracotta arm chairs set across a drape of drop cloth.

Thomas Cowards’ Cove chair highlights the strength of terracotta and its organic beauty.

A terracotta fruit platter with a ribbed base, designed to allow fruit to breathe.

The Skafos fruit platter by Chris Connell reaches out in three directions, with a ribbed base designed to elevate fruit allowing each piece to breathe.

The contemporary exploration of classical forms celebrating terracotta operates in stark contrast to the increasingly manufactured artifice of modernity. Whether admired separately or in sum, New Volumes’ Collection 02— Terracotta is a reminder why we are naturally drawn to play and shape mud as children, a medium that can be manipulated with abandon by hands young and old alike.

To view the entire collection and learn more about the Collection 02— Terracotta, venture over to newvolumes.com.

Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.

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