By using a reflector you can reflect light onto the photo subject, and in so doing create or remove shadows. More about
By using a reflector you can reflect light onto the photo subject, and in so doing create or remove shadows. More about
A reflector is a screen made up of different materials that acts as an extra source of light during photography. Reflectors are often foldable and come in many shapes and sizes; the most popular being circular and oval. By placing a reflector the light from a light, flash or the sun can be reflected and therefore spread better over the subject. As such, a huge advantage is that the affordable Bresser, Falcon-Eyes and Lastolite reflectors can create enhanced contrast in the photo you wish to take.
In order to understand how a reflector works it is important to grasp how light reflects. Each light beam falls at a particular angle on the reflector, this is known as the angle of incidence. The angle at which the light reflects back is equal to the angle of incidence, so the latter is equal to the angle of reflection. Take a ball that bounces against a smooth wall in a straight line. This will bounce off the wall at the same angle. Similarly, it is therefore possible to place the reflector at a particular point by a person so that a camera's flash light reflects precisely onto that person. Optimal results are attained when reflecting on the reflector's edge, as this yields a more natural, softer light.
By using a reflector with a light source stunning photos of people or products can be made, whereby the contrast can be tweaked and accents introduced. By using with multiple light sources (e.g. flash kit) it is possible to have the light fall onto the subject from up high or from low down. In this way a person's body can be fully set apart from the ground and background. Another option is to buy a second reflector, which helps you achieve the same result, but at a lower price.
Reflectors come in all shapes and sizes, the one you choose will depend on the distance to the subject and the size of the light sources you're using. A larger reflector provides a larger surface area to reflect the light off. With portrait photography it is vital to get the whole person properly into the picture, so you will need a larger reflector for this. A 30cm reflector will suffice for close-ups, whereas a reflector measuring at least 1m will be needed to capture a person. This all depends on the distance from which you're taking your photos, of course; the further away you stand, the larger the screen you will need.
Besides the different shapes and sizes reflectors come in, a range of colours are also available, each with individual effect. These reflectors are usually combined as 2-in-1, 5-in-1 of even 7-1 sets. The colours of the reflectors create different effects on the subject. Popular reflectors include:
Various products are available on the market that can be used in conjunction with a reflector. A reflector stand can be mounted onto a tripod, to use at your desired height. Another accessory is an arm, which you can use to hold the reflector from a distance.
Do you have a particular brand in mind? We have various top brands:
Lastolite | Bresser | Godox | Falcon-Eyes | Interfit