The mask set consists of twelve die-cut black paper masks that fit over the face of the 30-inch Moon Unit. 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 principle of the mask set is twofold: to produce unique catchlight shapes and to introduce 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 will be the modeling effect and the larger the 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 about the closest practical shooting distance if these effects are to be avoided.

The Package contains twelve masks - eight predefined light pattern masks and four masks to be defined by the user. The illustrations below show the effect of the masks in place on the 30-inch Moon Unit.

Please note that 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.

Star	Classic Ring	Ring of Stars
Sunburst	Clouds	Half Moon
Moon and Stars	Stars	Blank (x4)