💡 Lighting

Flag

An opaque panel used to block or shape light.

What is flag?

A flag is any opaque material used to block light from reaching certain areas. Flags create shadows, increase contrast, prevent lens flare, and shape light precisely. Black cards, fabric panels, and commercial flags are common. Flagging unwanted light is as important as adding light in studio product photography.

Pro tips

Use flags to add dimension by creating shadow areas

Flag bright backgrounds to prevent light bouncing onto products

Related terms

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