# Elon

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/elon
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a type of very thin, see-through fabric used in photography to soften light. It helps make shadows look smoother and less harsh on a person's face.

For teachers: a fine, translucent fabric, typically silk or synthetic, used in studio lighting to diffuse a light source. It functions as a scrim to reduce contrast and soften the transition between light and shadow.

## Examples

- The photographer placed an elon over the lamp to soften the light.
- To achieve a more natural skin tone in the portrait, the assistant held an elon between the flash and the model.
- While modern softboxes are more common, some traditional studio photographers still prefer the specific texture and falloff provided by a high-quality elon stretched over a custom frame.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.