Lighting Equipment
Some common types of equipment used in video and photography lighting.
| 18% Gray Card | A gray-coloured card which reflects 18% of the light which falls upon it. Used as a reference to calibrate light meters and set exposure. |  |
| Ballast | A device used to control the electrical current in a light. | |
| Consoles | Hardware and software systems which control lighting. Operated by the lighting technician, consoles coordinate lighting displays on stages, studios, etc. |  |
| Light Meter | A tool used to measure light and indicate the ideal exposure setting. Also known as an exposure meter. |  |
| Reflector Board | A specially-designed reflective surface used to act as a secondary light source. The board is lightweight and flexible, and is normally folded up for transport in a small carry-case. |  |
| Gels | Materials which are placed in front of a light source to alter it's characteristics, e.g. colour temperature or dispersion (see diffusion gels). | |
| Spectrometer | A professional-level instrument which measures the spectrum of light. Technically speaking, a spectrometer analyses the electromagnetic spectrum and measures the intensity of radiation as a function of wavelength. | |
| Stands & Clamps | Systems used to support lights and hold them in the correct position. |  |