It is well-understood that the quality and appropriateness of lighting are critical aspects for creating a quality, robust, and timely vision inspection. In addition to an understanding of illumination types and techniques, geometry, filtering, sensor characteristics, and color, a thorough analysis of the inspection environment,including sample presentation and sample-light interactions, provide a foundation upon which to design an effective vision lighting solution. It is suggested that designing and following a rigorous lightinganalysis sequence will provide a consistent, and robust environment,thereby maximizing time, effort, and resources –items better used in other critical aspects of vision system design, testing, and implementation.