What is a reflector and why is it an important tool for photographers?
If you’re new to photography you might understandably have a few questions about how to use a reflector. In our latest layman’s guide we answer some of the most common questions new photographers have.
The last few great shoots that I’ve done just for portfolio type work have been incredible.
I’ve had a very good friend; (even though he’ll say he’s not my friend and will turn me in to the Police for a slice of Pizza and a bus pass) on set on reflector duty.
It’s been fun watching him manipulate the reflector to try and get me the best light possible. And learn how to work the reflectors to get the look just right.
Well it got me thinking about reflectors and how few times I see photographers using them. Even indoors.
What is a reflector?
Whatever we do in photography, we need light to make our images happen.
A reflector is simply a tool that helps us put that light where we want it.
A reflector allows you to bounce available light – whether natural or artificial – back towards your subject, so you can change the way the light illuminates it.
What do they look like?
Reflectors come in various shapes and sizes, although the most common shapes are circular and rectangular.
They are made from reflective material, usually in white, silver or gold for different effects.
Some have handles or can be folded together for easy storage, while others are large and difficult to handle.
You can even make your own reflector from white card.
Should I have one?
We think it’s a really good idea for all photographers to have at least one reflector at their disposal, even if it’s just a small one.
In certain circumstances it will come to your rescue and make a big difference to the quality of an image.
When I’m teaching photography face to face, we are often amazed by just how few people have ever bothered to try one.
But when they see the difference it can make, they are instantly convinced.
Are reflectors easy to use?
Yes, for the most part – although trying to hold a large reflector in the perfect position outside when a wind is blowing can prove tricky.
There are also stands designed to hold them in place for you.
These work pretty well, but are better indoors out of that wind! In our view, it’s better to ask someone to be your assistant for a shoot.
What sort of reflector do You need?
That depends on what type of photography you do and how often you’d use one.
If you just do general photography with occasional portraits, then we’d suggest a small circular pop-up reflector that has both silver and white sides.
You can get these with different covers so that you have a choice of white, silver and gold.
One of my favorite was a 32-inch diameter circular reflector that folds down small enough to slip into the side of my camera bag.
Larger reflectors will generally give you a better spread of softer light, but aren’t always so easy to carry or handle.
I personally have several reflectors, two of them being my four foot by seven foot which is amazing.
But keep in mind, the larger the source the better the light.
I also tend to favor oval reflectors over the circular ones in general because of the coverage they offer.
How do I use a reflector in my photography?
All of the images in this post were lit using nothing but reflectors.
In the original photo, I had strong natural sidelight that was pouring in through a window in an otherwise very dark barn.
Our subject was leaning against a dusty old car and looked great, but his left side was in total shadow.
We didn’t want to take this shadow away entirely, but we did want to soften it so that some of the detail in his face was visible, and to create a contrast between the edge of his blue fleece and the black background.
By having a reflector positioned next to the subject but just out of the camera’s viewpoint, we able to bounce the light back to where it was needed.
Simple but very effective.
The photo above is of the lovely Playboy Playmate Pamela Horton. This was shot in Boulder City Nevada and yes all that was used was a reflector.
The light was such that I didn’t want to add any strobe, plus I didn’t want to carry the strobes down, so I asked the other two shooters I was working with to hold the sunbounce reflector.
This was one of the shots I got.
It was a moment where she was just sitting there while we decided what we were going to do and I saw it and asked her not to move.
Where To Get Reflectors?
The above photo is of model Christina Riordan. Yup, also captured with the ambient light we were getting and a reflector. So you don’t absolutely have to have an expensive strobe system to get nice even and good light.
But you do need something to control your light. Reflectors are a great and cost effective way to get it done.
Let me know if you found this helpful or have any questions.
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