Photography Snoots

Snoots are lighting accessories commonly used in both the photography and the theatrical lighting industries to control and shape light. These lighting modifiers are typically tube-shaped or conical devices that attach to a light source, narrowing the beam of light and creating focused, directional illumination.

Snoots in the Photography Industry

Photographers primarily use snoots to create a narrow, concentrated beam of light. Snoot lights are the ideal tool when photographers want to precisely illuminate a specific area or subject within the frame while keeping the surrounding areas in darkness.

Spotlighting with Snoots

Snoots are particularly useful when photographers want to highlight a subject's face, an object, or a specific detail, such as jewelry or a product. By using a snoot, they can achieve a spotlight effect, isolating the subject and drawing in the viewer's attention.

Background Separation

Snoots are helpful when you want to separate a subject from the background by preventing light from spilling onto the backdrop. Position the snoot light behind and to the side of your subject, then aim the light at the top of their head. This standard portrait photography technique is called using a hair light, and it creates a sense of depth and dimension.

Creative Lighting

Explore your creativity by using snoot lighting in inventive and experimental ways. By combining snoots with colored gels or grids, you can produce unique and artistic lighting effects. For example, you can use a gelled snoot to create a narrow band of colored light on a subject, adding a sense of drama or surrealism to the image.

Snoots in the Theatrical Lighting Industry

Theatrical lighting designers use snoots to accent specific areas or actors on stage. By narrowing the beam of light, snoots create focused pools of light, drawing attention to key elements of a scene.

You can also use snoots to produce special lighting effects in theater. For example, snoots can create the illusion of moonlight filtering through a window or simulate the effect of a flashlight or spotlight on stage.

Snoot Mounts and Kits

When purchasing a snoot, you’ll need to pay close attention to the type of mount your light requires. Most photographic lights feature a Bowens mount, so a Bowens-type snoot will easily lock into place on the front of your light.

As you shop for snoots, consider buying from well-known brands like Mole-Richardson, ARRI, Photogenic, and Flashpoint. They create a variety of mounts and kits with compatible supports, gels, and other accessories.