Lighting

Vocabulary

Strobes

A device used to produce regular flashes of light when a picture is taken

Hot lights or continuous lighting

A powerful light used in photography/cinematography which has a constant light (doesn't flash like the strobes do)

Natural light

The light that exists all around us

Key Light

A light that catches the eye — adds life to the face

Back Light

A light that illuminates the back of the photo

Fill Light

Agggg light used to eliminate or soften shadows caused by the main source of illumination

Tripod

 The device that holds a camera steady. Usually has three legs, thus the "tri"

Soft box

 a piece of equipment that fits over a light which effectively diffuses the light and makes it more even and "soft"

Snoot

a tube or similar object that fits over a studio light or portable flash and allows the photographer to control the direction and radius of the light beam

Backdrop

 The background chosen for the picture, either a color or patterned fabric usually

Barn door

light modifiers that shape and direct light

Gel

A transparent colored material that is used in theater, event production, photography, videography and cinematography to color light and for color correction

Umbrella

A kind of reflector. Hooks onto the snoot or other light, makes a more even light distribution. Looks exactly like an umbrella with a shiny underside.

Reflector

 Reflects light at the subject, creating a softer effect than a direct light.