Studio lighting equipment helps produce different lighting effects and ensure your image matches the message you are trying to convey through your subject.
Examine the effects produced by the different types of lighting equipment.
A photography umbrella is a type of light diffuser used to point light away from your subject, where it is directed onto the underside of a reflective umbrella and softened as it is reflected back to your subject.
- Umbrellas are used to soften and spread light onto your subject without producing hard and harsh shadows.
- Umbrellas are available with various color interiors, including silver for maximum reflectivity, white for further diffusing light and gold to warm the skin tones.
A softbox diffuses light and produces a soft, even illumination on your subject.
- It completely encloses your light source, forcing light to pass through a translucent material.
- A softbox provides nearly shadowless lighting.
A light reflector is used to direct and concentrate light on your subject.
- It is a portable device usually made of metal and is available in various shapes, sizes and colors.
- A reflector can add fill lighting, create a catch light, prevent silhouette or enhance a portrait.