We present a novel active imaging approach that uses optimized wide band filtered illumination to obtain multispectral reflectance information. Our optimization algorithm utilizes light source and camera spectral information in order to maximize the signal strength and the robustness to noise. Through the use of active wide band illumination, our system can obtain material reflectance information in the presence of moderate (indoor) unknown ambient illumination. Our method is very simple and does not require special equipment. It can be used by professional and amateur photographers alike to obtain material properties and to synthesize captured scenes under arbitrary illumination.