Photography Fabric Scrims

Photographers and videographers use fabric scrims to control and manipulate light. Scrims are lightweight because they’re typically made of fabrics like silk, nylon, or thin wire mesh. The most common uses for scrims include softening, diffusing, or shaping natural or artificial light sources. They basically help to create more flattering and controlled lighting conditions for photography subjects.

Common Types of Fabric Scrims

Scrims come in a range of sizes, shapes, and materials. Choosing the right scrim for your needs depends on what exactly you want to achieve for your shoot.

Diffusion Scrims

These semi-transparent scrims filter harsh light sources by reducing contrast and softening the hard edges of shadows. Diffusion scrims create a flattering, balanced light on your subject.

Reflective Scrims

Reflective scrims bounce and redirect light. They come in various colors and materials, such as white, silver, or gold, each producing a different quality of reflected light. Photographers use them to add highlights, fill in shadows, or change the color temperature of the light on the subject.

Flag Scrims

Typically made of black fabric, flag scrims block light. They are commonly used to create shadows or prevent unwanted light from reaching certain areas of the scene. Flags help you achieve the precise lighting look you want, and you can use them to create dramatic effects.

Mounting and Support Accessories for Scrims

Scrims are often attached to frames made of lightweight materials like plastic, aluminum, or fiberglass. These make it easy to position and manipulate the scrims to control the direction and intensity of the light.

Where to Use Fabric Scrims

Photographers use fabric scrims both indoors and outdoors, but they’re especially valuable in outdoor portrait photography to soften and diffuse harsh sunlight. In studio settings, scrims are most helpful for controlling artificial lighting, so you can create a more natural and flattering look.

Scrim Kits for Filmmakers and Photographers

When you’re shooting on location, it’s important to make sure you have all the gear you need on hand and ready to go. As lighting conditions change, you may need to swap out the type of scrim you’re using to keep the lighting consistent. Investing in a fabric scrim kit ensures you can easily adapt to changing lighting conditions.

Trusted Brands for Lighting Equipment

When you’re working at a professional level, it’s important to have professional-grade lighting equipment. Advantage Gripware, ARRI, K 5600, Matthews, and Mole-Richardson are industry favorites for high-quality lighting equipment and accessories.