How can you use a reflector to improve your photos?

1 What is a reflector?

A reflector is any surface that reflects light, such as a white wall, a mirror, or a piece of cardboard. However, most photographers use specially designed reflectors that are lightweight, portable, and come in various shapes and colors. The most common types are circular, rectangular, and triangular reflectors, and they usually have different sides that reflect different colors of light, such as white, silver, gold, or black.

2 How to choose a reflector?

The size, shape, and color of your reflector depend on your needs and preferences. Generally, the larger the reflector, the softer and more diffused the light will be. The shape of the reflector affects how you can hold it and how much area it can cover. The color of the reflector affects the tone and mood of your photo. For example, a white reflector creates a natural and neutral light, a silver reflector creates a bright and cool light, a gold reflector creates a warm and sunny light, and a black reflector creates a dark and dramatic light.

3 How to position a reflector?

The position of your reflector depends on the direction and quality of your main light source, such as the sun, a window, or a flash. You want to place your reflector in a way that it fills in the shadows, highlights the details, or creates a contrast on your subject or scene. You can experiment with different angles and distances to see how the light changes. You can also use a stand, a clamp, or an assistant to hold your reflector for you.

4 How to use a reflector for portraits?

A reflector can help you create flattering and expressive portraits by enhancing the light on your model's face and eyes. You can use a reflector to fill in the shadows under the chin, nose, and eyes, to create a catchlight in the eyes, to add some color or warmth to the skin tone, or to create a rim light or a hair light. You can also use a reflector to control the background light by blocking or bouncing it.

5 How to use a reflector for landscapes?

A reflector can help you create stunning and dynamic landscapes by adding some light and contrast to your foreground or background elements. You can use a reflector to illuminate a dark or dull area, to create a reflection on a water surface, to emphasize a texture or a color, or to balance the exposure between the sky and the ground. You can also use a reflector to modify the color temperature or the mood of your scene.

6 How to use a reflector for still life?

A reflector can help you create artistic and realistic still life photos by shaping and refining the light on your objects and props. You can use a reflector to soften or harden the shadows, to create highlights or lowlights, to reveal or hide details, or to create a sense of depth or dimension. You can also use a reflector to change the color or the atmosphere of your photo.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?