Matthews 24x36" Solid Black Flag

For those of you who are unaware, black "flags" are used in photography and videography either to block (or "flag") off light or prevent its reflection onto a particular surface (also referred to as "negative fill"). Essentially, it is an additional mechanism beyond your light modifier to give you greater control to shape your light and determine where it doesn't fall. While many objects of all sorts of material from foam board to curtains can be used to flag off light, a good flag will generally exhibit 3 qualities: 1. It should hold its shape. This is important so that you can precisely control its effect. 2. It should not let light through. Obviously, if the idea is to block off light, you probably don't want the thing that's blocking light off to let light leak through. 3. The surface should be non-reflective. This is less of a problem (although still a bit) when it comes to straight out blocking the path of light and more of an issue with using the flag as a negative fill. An opaque, black, material with a reflective surface will still bounce some light (hence, the "reflective" surface). This is where a lot of DIY solutions will fail. Matthews is a pretty well regarded brand so it's unsurprising that this flag is excellent at all three of these things. That having been said, there is probably a bit of a price premium that you are paying for the name so if you are on a budget, you may want to look into other options that will likely also work well. In my case, I ordered this particular flag because I'd rather not fiddle around and ship things back and forth looking for value on the dollar—at least not at this price point. If you just want something that you know will work excellently, I highly recommend this. -------------------------- Why you might want a flag (whether you own a lighting kit or not). Beyond subject, composition, story, etc. when you get right down to it, the art of photography comes down to light. It is the presence of light that allows us to create an exposure and the absence of light that prevents it. Tools and add light such as strobes and bounce reflectors are typically the first place photographers will turn when they want to start controlling light, but for the full degree of control, you also want tools that subtract light in order to either shape it or completely remove it. This is where the flag comes into play. I would highly encourage any photographer to invest in a good flag and see the new creative options that open up. Like lights, you will probably want to get more than one as you learn, but even owning one vs. none makes a huge difference.

The Matthews' 24" x 36" Flag is great attaches easily to grip heads and is very adjustable. The quality is great and it blocks light well.

This flag is big! I know the description says the size, but once you receive it, you realize just how big it is. It's a strong quality metal frame build and nice material that doesn't bounce any light. I've already had it come in handy on a few shoots! Now I just need a few more...

I am really happy with this purchase. Good quality product. I might get another one soon.

Well built, I prefer these solid frame flags because where I shoot I have to deal with wind.

Ordered two Matthew 24x36 solid black flags and they got here in a great time frame, in rest condition and absolutely love them.. Thank you.

Quality product, great packaging and timely delivery. Will purchase another!

Well built. Does the job.