<p>A prism would separate the light into a spectrum, which probably isn't what you want. If the window isn't visible in your shot, you could use what's sometimes called a <strong><em>silk</em></strong>, which is more often made of muslin or other semi-translucent material.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-12-16T14:08:42.443Z
A "silk" (whatever its actual fiber composition) is exactly a "diffuser" which armoose said "isn't enough".
Richard Crowley
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-12-16T18:12:47.903Z
@RichardCrowley  Right. But he didn't say what he used as a diffuser and given the lack of other details it certainly bears suggesting.
Jim Mack
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-12-16T02:47:31.633Z
2016-12-16T02:47:31.633Z
Jim Mack
<p>How about a bedsheet over the outside of the window?  Possibly along with some correcting gel to bring the color temperature closer to any other sources you want to use inside?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-04-10T05:52:35.230Z
2017-04-10T05:52:35.230Z
acb
<p>You did not mention: size/area, permanent/temporary, budget, etc. etc.  So, in the absense of any practical constraints, letting my imagination run wild....</p>

<p>I would investigate hanging a row of round acrylic ("Plexiglas") rods like a curtain which would serve rather like a big amorphous "Fresnel lens".</p>

<p>Else, you could use the traditional "brute-force" method used by big-budget production companies:</p>

<ol>
<li><strong>Giant lamps</strong> outside the window focused through the opening. They commonly use expensive (and very bright) HMI lights for "punching through" sunlight levels.</li>
<li><strong>Big reflectors</strong> that catch extra sunlight and reflect it in through the window.  Metalized reflective fabric stretched on a big frame</li>
</ol>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/Y946R.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/Y946R.jpg" alt="HMI light augmenting sunlight through window."></a></p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/w1ZgY.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/w1ZgY.jpg" alt="Reflectors to augment/redirect sunlight"></a></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-12-16T14:22:54.310Z
2016-12-16T14:22:54.310Z
Richard Crowley
<p>I am looking to film near a window. I was wondering if there was a certain material that can take the sun light source and spread it evenly and wider. I find that a diffuser it isn't enough is there another type of material that would spread and expand it even?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-12-16T07:37:34.983Z
Is the window in shot?
stib
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-04-10T16:59:53.747Z
Define "isn't enough"--what specific issue are you having? Light level? Color? Contrast?
Dave Newton
<lighting>
How to spread light?
TreeKing
# How to spread light?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-12-16)

I am looking to film near a window. I was wondering if there was a certain material that can take the sun light source and spread it evenly and wider. I find that a diffuser it isn't enough is there another type of material that would spread and expand it even?

**Tags:** lighting

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Is the window in shot?  
> **username_2**: Define "isn't enough"--what specific issue are you having? Light level? Color? Contrast?  

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## 3 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2016-12-16. Score: 1

A prism would separate the light into a spectrum, which probably isn't what you want. If the window isn't visible in your shot, you could use what's sometimes called a ***silk***, which is more often made of muslin or other semi-translucent material.

> **Comments:**
> **username_4**: A "silk" (whatever its actual fiber composition) is exactly a "diffuser" which armoose said "isn't enough".  
> **username_3**: @RichardCrowley  Right. But he didn't say what he used as a diffuser and given the lack of other details it certainly bears suggesting.  

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### Answer by username_5 on 2017-04-10. Score: 0

How about a bedsheet over the outside of the window? Possibly along with some correcting gel to bring the color temperature closer to any other sources you want to use inside?


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### Answer by username_4 on 2016-12-16. Score: 0

You did not mention: size/area, permanent/temporary, budget, etc. etc. So, in the absense of any practical constraints, letting my imagination run wild....

I would investigate hanging a row of round acrylic ("Plexiglas") rods like a curtain which would serve rather like a big amorphous "Fresnel lens".

Else, you could use the traditional "brute-force" method used by big-budget production companies:

1. **Giant lamps** outside the window focused through the opening. They commonly use expensive (and very bright) HMI lights for "punching through" sunlight levels.
2. **Big reflectors** that catch extra sunlight and reflect it in through the window. Metalized reflective fabric stretched on a big frame

[![HMI light augmenting sunlight through window.](https://i.sstatic.net/Y946R.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/Y946R.jpg)

[![Reflectors to augment/redirect sunlight](https://i.sstatic.net/w1ZgY.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/w1ZgY.jpg)


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