This document defines and describes different categories of lighting instruments used in film production. It discusses spotlights, which produce a narrow beam of light and distinct shadows; floodlights, which are used to light wide areas and fill shadows; and softlights, which have a fabric enclosure that greatly diffuses the light to produce shadowless illumination. It also mentions on-camera lights, practical lights that are included in shots, and barn doors used to control the edges of a spotlight beam.

1. Warm Up
 What is diffused light, falloff, and reflected
light?

2. Lighting Instruments
TEKS: Understand the industry, including
history, current practice, and future trends by
defining terminology associated with the
industry.[11Aiii]

3. Categories of Lighting Instruments
 Spotlights
 Floodlights
 Softlights
 On-camera lights
 Practicals

4. Spotlights
 A spotlight is a small-source lighting
instrument that produces a narrow, hard-
edged light pattern.
 This means that the light illuminates a
relatively small areas, casts distinct, hard-
edged shadows, and is easily masked by barn
doors or flags.
 Small source spotlights are often used as key
(main) lights on subjects.

5. Floodlights
 A floodlight is a large-source instrument
that is used for lighting wide areas. It is
used to fill in shadows created by spotlights
and to light backgrounds.

6. Softlights
 A softlight is a lamp or small light enclosed
in a large fabric box, which greatly diffuses
the light.
 Softlights are very large light sources that
deliver almost shadowless, directionless
illumination.
 Softlights are easy to use because they do not
throw distinct shadows.

7. Camera Lights
 A camera light is a small light mounted on
the camera to provide foreground fill.

8. Practicals
 A practical is a lighting instrument that is
included in shots and may be operated by
the actors.
 Examples would include table laps and wall
sconces.

9. Barn Doors
 Barn doors are pairs of metal flaps hinged
to the sides and/or top and bottom edges of
the lamp.
 Their front edges are moved into and out of
the light path to control the beam edges.