Studio lighting equipment helps you 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 the 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 is used to diffuse light and produce a soft and even illumination on your subject.
- It completely encloses your light source, forcing light to have to pass through a translucent material.
- A softbox provides you with 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 a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
- A reflector can be used to add fill lighting, create a catch light, prevent silhouette or enhance a portrait.