A device for determining a bidirectional reflectance distribution function of a subject, including a light source for producing an incident light that is directed onto a subject at a predetermined zenith angle and at a predetermined azimuth angle, an element for displacing the light source at any location on the periphery of a hemispherical area centered on the subject, an element for measuring the bidirectional reflectance distribution function of the subject from one fixed location that is preferably aligned with a normal direction defined by the subject, a control unit adapted to control the element for displacing and/or the element for measuring. The element for displacing includes an arc-shaped arm at one end fixedly connected to the light source and slideably connected to a first support to adjust the zenith angle, and an element for pivoting the first support about the normal direction to permit adjustment of the azimuth angle.