Using a reflector
When we want to get a portrait to go from good to great, a bit of fill light can go a long way. Most of the time we think of a flash, be there are other options.
If you have never used a reflector, I will offer my tips here. I have two types of reflectors. A folding fabric disk with silver on one side and white on the other. My second is much cheaper and more basic. It is a rectangle of white Styrofoam 1 ½” thick -24” x 48”. I use them differently.
The advantage of the disk is it is compact; I attach it to my camera strap. For children’s portraits it will create beautiful round catchlights (reflections) in the subjects eyes. I use the sliver side when I need maximum reflectivity or are not close to the subject and the white side when working closer.
The disadvantage is it really needs an assistant to hold it with both hands and it cost more than the other reflector.
I use the Styrofoam board as a reflector at the office it has the advantages:
- Very low cost
- It works well adding fill next to a window
- It is rigid and more easily propped up for static shots
- I have also used it as a fake rear wall to get a less cluttered portrait, as well as a base for product shots
- Because it has flat edges it is more useful for adding fill to product shots, it can be placed closer
- It can be used outside even with snow or light rain
The effects of a reflector can be dramatic, in this case the reflector was flat on the ground, but in most cases I use it to the side to reflect window light for fill.
Lit by light from a disk type reflector lying on the ground