We’ve mentioned a few times on this blog about Mola users using a stacked configuration for their Mola dishes. We’ve had a few people ask what this configuration looks like and how they can setup their dish also like this.

When we refer to ‘stacked diffusers’ we are referencing the installation of both the PAD and OPAL discs in a stacked, or collated configuration.

Here is an image of a stacked setup on a white Mola 22″ Demi…

When you buy a new Mola, all of the range (excluding the 33.5″ Beamm) ships with the PAD central diffuser – aka the Perforated Aluminium Disc. This disc looks like a swiss-cheesed metal disc.

Mola also makes an optional OPAL glass diffuser (frosted glass disc) which further softens output through the centre of the dish. This gives the user flexibility for the output they are looking to create.

If we stack the two diffusers, the PAD and OPAL you create an even softer centre-core of light which is favoured by shooters who either have no glass dome over their light head, or like to use the dish unsocked. Also when using HMI or continuous tungsten lighting, it further removes the brighter central hotspot.

click the link below to view the instructions for setting up this configuration…
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We head back into the Southern Hemisphere again to catchup on some work by Sydney fashion and wedding photographer Jonathan Dear. Catching the last remaining autumn colours before they fade into winter, he organises a personal shoot with his model / muse, Nicole.

“I love the softness I can pull out of the Demi. It makes one amazing modifier for moving around a lot on location due to its size and weight. I find it is super efficient which allows me to shoot with lighter less powerful equipment which my assistants love!”

Here he is using a white Mola 22″ demi with stacked OPAL + PAD central diffusers with a white diffusion sock to compliment his ambient background. The demi and strobe-head was mounted on a boomstick for his assistant to walk around with.

and in this next shot, Jonathan turns the lights off and uses the white socked face of the demi as a small reflector to bounce natural light back into the model’s face.

Read up on his thoughts and some more shots on his blog post here. And his new website; www.jonathandear.com.