Using Gobos with Les-Lee Lesch

Godox Projector and Gobos: Shape Light, Sculpt Shadows, Shoot Cinematic Portraits

December 9, 2025Conrad Knuist

The Godox Projector is a Bowens-mount optical snoot that turns a studio light into a precise, focused beam. Add a CameraStuff gobo and that beam becomes a pattern: a shadow, a shape, something that belongs in the image. For portrait, fashion, and editorial photographers, it changes how you think about light.

Creator Spotlight: Les-Lee Lesch. We sent @lesleelesch a set of CameraStuff gobos and the Godox BFP optical snoot to test in a real portrait session. The results were bold and cinematic. Her full portfolio is at Les-Lee Lesch Photography.

Les-Lee Lesch shooting with the Godox BFP and CameraStuff gobos, on Instagram.


TL;DR

The Godox BFP (for flash) and Godox BLP (for LED lights under 300W) are optical snoots that attach to Bowens-mount lights and focus the output into a sharp, controlled beam. Slot in a gobo and the beam projects that pattern onto your subject or background. Both come with an 85mm lens, four shutter blades, a gobo holder, and a starter gobo set, and CameraStuff's 65mm gobos add more patterns.


What the Godox Projector Actually Does

At its core, the Godox Projector is an optical snoot: a Bowens-mount attachment that takes the output of your light and focuses it through an 85mm lens into a tight, directional beam with clean edges. You aim it exactly where you want it, and keep light off the rest of the frame.

The gobo holder is where it gets interesting. Slot in a gobo and the lens projects that pattern onto your subject or background: leaves, geometric shapes, a circle spotlight, or an angular X. Each one creates a completely different mood. Without a gobo, the four built-in shutter blades cut the beam into clean lines, rectangles, or triangles.

Projected light has long been used in theatre, film, and commercial studios. With the Godox BFP and CameraStuff gobos, it is well within reach for any portrait photographer.

  • Shadow control: light exactly the areas you want and keep the rest in darkness.
  • Mood and atmosphere: patterns add tension, intimacy, drama, or cinematic depth.
  • Storytelling: a single gobo shape gives an image narrative weight.
  • Small and portable: gobos are small, reusable plates that fit in a pouch.
Conrad Knuist

Conrad's Advice: "The optical snoot gets seriously hot, especially with the modelling lamp on or a continuous LED running. Switch off the light every now and then and let it cool down. Try to pull it off while it's still warm and you will regret it. Use a cloth or a glove. Every time."


Godox BFP optical snoot projection attachment with 85mm lens, gobo holder, and gobo set

Godox BFP Optical Snoot

The flash version of the Godox Projector: a Bowens-mount attachment with an 85mm projection lens, four shutter blades, a gobo holder, and a gobo set in the box. For LED lights under 300W, the Godox BLP is the equivalent.

View Product

BFP vs BLP at a Glance

Godox BFP Godox BLP
Designed for Flash and studio strobes LED lights under 300W
Mount Bowens S-type Bowens S-type
Lens 85mm, EF lens mount 85mm, EF lens mount
Shaping 4 shutter blades, 360 degree rotation 4 shutter blades, 360 degree rotation
In the box 85mm lens, MLP-GS gobo set, gobo holder, colour effects clip, carry bag 85mm lens, MLP-GS gobo set, gobo holder, colour effects clip, carry bag
Weight 1.5kg 1.3kg

As specified by the manufacturer, Godox, from our product listings.


How to Use the Godox Projector and Gobos Like a Pro

The technique is simpler than it looks. Attach the BFP or BLP to your light, slot in a gobo, aim the beam at your subject or background, then adjust until it looks right.

  1. Focus the lens. Turn the lens to make the pattern edges sharp. Throw it slightly out of focus for softer, more natural edges, like dappled light through leaves.
  2. Mind the distance. Moving the light closer or further changes the size of the projected pattern, so refocus each time you move it.
  3. Match the gobo to the mood. Organic shapes suit soft, intimate portraits. Geometric patterns like the X Shape and Circle Spotlight give bold, graphic results.
  4. Think about where the pattern lands. On a face it adds drama. On the background it adds depth. On both, it builds a scene that pulls the viewer in.
  5. Experiment. Rotate the body to turn the pattern, try different gobos, and add a fill light to control how dark the shadows go.
Conrad Knuist

Conrad's Advice: "The projection is sharp enough to show every dust particle and smear on the glass. Treat the lens like a surgical instrument and wipe it down before every shoot. A constellation of dust particles projected on your model will upset your editor."


Which Gobo for Which Look?

CameraStuff gobos are 65mm plates in a wide range of patterns. A few starting points:

  • Natural light through leaves or a window: Tree Branches, Jungle Vignette, or Dappled Pattern, thrown slightly out of focus for soft edges.
  • Bold and graphic: X Shape, Checkered Pattern, or Lightning Bolt for fashion and editorial work.
  • Framing the subject: Circle Spotlight puts a clean pool of light around a face or figure.
  • A single slit of light: Gap projects one clean line across the eyes or the backdrop.
  • Soft and romantic: Peony Flowers or Kaleidoscope for decorative patterns on a backdrop.

The Shoot: Les-Lee Lesch

Les-Lee photographed herself against a dark backdrop, with red light and the BFP projecting gobos including the X Shape and Circle Spotlight. Click any image to view it full screen.

Photographer and model: Les-Lee Lesch, shot with CameraStuff gobos and the Godox BFP optical snoot.


See the BFP in Action

Video: Godox BFP Flash Projection Attachment, Walkthrough, Godox EU.

Video: Godox BFP Flash Projection Attachment, Operation Tutorial, GODOX Global.

Explore the CameraStuff Gobo Range

65mm gobo plates, the X Shape and Circle Spotlight are the patterns from this shoot.

CameraStuff X Shape 65mm gobo

Used in this shoot

X Shape Gobo

A bold, graphic X for editorial and fashion portraits.

View
CameraStuff Circle Spotlight 65mm gobo

Used in this shoot

Circle Spotlight Gobo

A clean circle of light to frame your subject.

View
CameraStuff Checkered Pattern 65mm gobo

Graphic texture

Checkered Pattern Gobo

A high-contrast grid for bold texture on faces or backdrops.

View
CameraStuff Lightning Bolt 65mm gobo

High energy

Lightning Bolt Gobo

A sharp, graphic bolt for editorial and action-forward portraits.

View

Related Guides


Projector and Gobo FAQs

What is the Godox Projector used for in photography?

It is an optical snoot that attaches to a Bowens-mount light and focuses the output into a sharp, controlled beam. Add a gobo and it projects that pattern onto your subject or background, which is why portrait, fashion, and editorial photographers use it for cinematic, shaped light.

What is the difference between the Godox BFP and the Godox BLP?

The Godox BFP is designed for flash and studio strobes. The Godox BLP is designed for LED lights under 300W. Both have a Bowens S-type mount, an 85mm lens on an EF lens mount, four shutter blades, and come with a gobo set and gobo holder.

What size are CameraStuff gobos?

CameraStuff gobo plates are 65mm and made to fit most standard 65mm projector systems. Les-Lee Lesch used them in the Godox BFP for this shoot.

Can the Godox Projector be used outdoors?

Yes. Pair the Godox BFP with a Bowens-mount battery strobe such as the Godox AD600Pro II. The projected pattern shows best when it is brighter than the ambient light, so shade or low evening light gives cleaner results.

Where can I buy the Godox BFP and CameraStuff gobos in South Africa?

Both are available at CameraStuff, with nationwide delivery, free delivery on orders over R1000, a 60-day money-back guarantee, and local warranty support.


About Godox

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Godox is an integrated company combining R&D, manufacturing, and sales. It provides one-stop imaging lighting solutions with a comprehensive product ecosystem for photography, videography, cinematic production, broadcasting, and other sectors within the imaging industry.

Its portfolio covers professional flashes, studio and portable lighting, LED lighting, audio equipment, cameras, photo printers, wireless control systems, and lighting accessories, supporting a wide range of creative and production needs worldwide.

Guided by its core values of innovation, integrity, rigor, pragmatism, and inclusiveness, Godox is committed to providing outstanding imaging, cinematic lighting, and audio solutions. The company continuously pursues technological breakthroughs with the goal of becoming a leading force in the industry.

CameraStuff has been an authorised Godox distributor in South Africa since 2018, backed by an official Letter of Authorization from Godox Global.

See All Godox

Conrad Knuist, Head of Marketing and Photography Specialist at CameraStuff

Head of Marketing and Photography Specialist

Conrad Knuist is Head of Marketing and Photography Specialist at CameraStuff, South Africa's specialist camera and lighting retailer. With over 18 years of hands-on experience across portrait, event, and commercial photography, Conrad helps South African photographers and creators build lighting setups that work.

More articles

Comments (0)

There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!

Leave a comment