How2Day: List of Lighting Materials

Photography and filmmaking lighting has grown far beyond simple lights. Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
Whether you are lighting a photograph or video scene, the type of materials used are universal. While the exact materials used to light a scene may vary according to the type of image you wish to convey, the main lighting materials do not change. Lighting materials can be expensive, so purchase only the materials that are absolutely necessary to create the image you desire.

A lighting umbrella is used in photography and filmmaking to diffuse light from a light source. Instead of shooting light directly at a subject, which can cause the subject to look flushed, the photographer reflects the light off the underside of the umbrella to cast a warm glow on the subject. The lighting umbrella looks like a standard umbrella; however, its underside is coated with a metallic silver or gold finish. The umbrella is then attached directly to the light.

Light meters are an integral tool for any photographer or filmmaker, as they measure the amount of light shining on a subject. The information relayed through the light meter informs the camera operator what alterations need to be made to the camera's F/stop to capture the perfect image. Professional light meters are handheld devices; however, some digital cameras have a built-in light meter. The main responsibility of this lighting tool is to prevent overexposure and to ensure photographs or videos are properly lit.

A "hot" light gets its name due to the type of bulb used. Typically, a hot light uses a quartz, halogen or tungsten bulb, which runs hot when in use. The responsibility of this lighting material is to provide a continuous beam of light instead of a flash of light, as seen in strobe lights. By using a hot light, photographers and filmmakers are able to perfectly light a scene. It isn't uncommon for a professional to use a light umbrella to bounce the light beam from the hot light onto the subject.

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