A flashlight holder for securing a flashlight to an object. The flashlight holder has a clamp assembly for attaching to the object. A cradle is provided for holding the flashlight. The cradle can be attached to the clamp assembly, or preferably, a riser can be disposed between the clamp assembly and the cradle. Retaining straps are provided to secure the flashlight in the cradle. The retaining straps are removably attached to allow the flashlight to be placed in and removed from the flashlight holder. A method of securing a flashlight to an object comprising: providing a flashlight holder comprising a clamp assembly having an opening end and a base end, a cradle disposed on the base end of the clamp assembly, and at least one retaining strap that attaches to the flashlight holder to secure a flashlight with an illumination end and a butt end in the flashlight holder, wherein the flashlight holder has a first end proximal to the illumination end of the flashlight, and a second end proximal to the butt end of the flashlight; attaching the flashlight holder to an object; and disposing the flashlight in the flashlight holder. A method of illuminating a wheeled measuring device and area surrounding the wheeled measuring device comprising: providing the wheeled measuring device; attaching a flashlight holder to the wheeled measuring device; disposing a flashlight in the flashlight holder; and powering the flashlight to provide illumination.