[6-06] "lighting glossary"

flash—a sudden introduction of light in a split-second interval; timed pulses of light that occur during the camera's exposure such that light appears and ends as soon as a picture is taken; energy conversed

strobe—one of two types of flash; a heavy and encased unit that recycles quickly (no need to wait between shots, longer battery life); connected to a rechargeable battery or AC; often fitted with a bulb, which fires light in many directions, rather than one direction like a flashlight

speedlight—a smaller flash, using disposable AA batteries, fits on the hot shoe (top) of a camera, used in events and weddings, fires light more like a flashlight than bulb

light modifier—an object placed in front of a flash to increase/decrease its size, reduce splatter (light escaping), and alter the directionality of light (grids)

optical umbrella—a common, cheap, and often effective type of light modifier in which the flash passes through, scatters, making the umbrella itself the new source of light, and "softening" the flash by increasing the size of a light source

C-stand—an ideal lighting support in the studio because it is sturdy, with a turtle-shaped base amenable to weights/sandbags

roller—a sturdy light stand that has three wheels to move easily on solid surfaces; more likely to tip over than a C-stand

light stand—a light support with a useful 5/8" stud on top, easily transported, easily compressed