How do "reflectors" in photography work?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Elizabeth E
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Elizabeth E

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What's the point? How do the different color reflectors differ in a photo? are they beneficial enough to purchase? How do you use them?

[I'm working more on lighting with photography, I'm doing mostly outdoor portraits of people]
 
I only use reflectors to create the MAIN light - I put a WHITE (not gold or silver) reflector in the sunlight, and bounce it into the shade, where the subject is.

But, this produces a very punchy photo. But, it gives GREAT catchlights.

I haven't used a reflector to fill shadows for years, and most people don't know how to use them correctly. If they are used to fill shadows (not necessary in digital, which gets lots of shadow detail!) they MUST NOT BE a second light source - instead, they should augment the main light, making it, in effect a broader light. You can put the reflector at CAMERA position!

You could try using a mylar (flexible) reflector to reflect the sun onto a subject in odd shapes for interesting effects.

Confused yet?
 
I only use reflectors to create the MAIN light - I put a WHITE (not gold or silver) reflector in the sunlight, and bounce it into the shade, where the subject is.

But, this produces a very punchy photo. But, it gives GREAT catchlights.

I haven't used a reflector to fill shadows for years, and most people don't know how to use them correctly. If they are used to fill shadows (not necessary in digital, which gets lots of shadow detail!) they MUST NOT BE a second light source - instead, they should augment the main light, making it, in effect a broader light. You can put the reflector at CAMERA position!

You could try using a mylar (flexible) reflector to reflect the sun onto a subject in odd shapes for interesting effects.

Confused yet?
 
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