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Photography vocabulary · Light & Lighting

Strobe

Meaning in photography, with examples

/stroʊb/nounCommon term

In photography, strobe means: A powerful flash unit, usually used in a studio on a light stand, that gives a short, bright burst of light.

In Turkish: stüdyo flaşı, paraflaş

How it is used

In American photographers' slang, strobe can mean any flash, even a small speedlight, and a strobist is someone who uses off-camera flash. Studio strobes have a modeling light to preview the light and are fired by a wireless trigger.

Example sentences

  1. We'll need two strobes and a background light for the team portraits.

  2. Turn the strobe down a stop; her forehead is too bright.

Common collocations

  • studio strobe
  • battery-powered strobe
  • fire the strobe
  • strobe power
  • flashA device that gives a very short, bright burst of light at the moment the picture is taken. It can be built into the camera or attached on top.
  • softboxA box-shaped light modifier with a white, translucent front that fits over a flash or lamp to spread its light and make it softer.
  • key lightThe main and usually strongest light in a lighting setup, which sets the direction and mood of the light on the subject.
  • fill lightA weaker, secondary light used to brighten the shadows created by the key light without removing them completely.

More terms: Light & Lighting

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