How to Use a Reflector: An Advanced Guide to Lighting

Photography is about more than just understanding how to work a camera. Understanding light, and the ways it spreads and bounces, is essential too. Some objects absorb light, others bounce it back in another direction. A reflector is a tool that helps a photographer manipulate the light by providing another surface for the light to bounce off of. Reflectors are inexpensive tools that can make a big impact on your images.

What is a Reflector?

A photography reflector is simply a tool that reflects light. A reflector doesn’t create light as a flash does; it simply redirects the existing light or sometimes redirects the light from a flash or studio strobe.

This is important to understand for two reasons. The first is that the light from a reflector isn’t any brighter than what is already there, so you can’t use one to light up a night portrait unless you are also using a flash or other light source. The second point to understand is that the quality of the light will match the quality of the light that’s in the scene. For example, if you’re shooting at sunset, the light that bounces off the reflector will have that same orange hue.

However, there are a few exceptions. Reflectors come in different types and colors, and the color of the reflective surface may change the light that’s bounced back. A traditional white reflector bounces the light, and that light is nice and soft. A silver reflector doesn’t change the color of the light much but is a bit brighter than light reflected off a white one. Gold reflectors are designed to change the color of the light by warming it up a bit with an orange tone.

Since reflectors don’t create light, they primarily aim to fix shadows. If you are shooting a portrait outdoors during the day, a reflector can be used to fix odd shadows on the face, or even to prevent a backlit subject from becoming a silhouette. A reflector is used in this way as a replacement for the fill flash.

But reflectors are pretty versatile tools. There’s more than one use for them. In flat lighting, a reflector can add interest or drama to the shot. Some photographers use reflectors as hairlights outdoors. Many reflectors have a black side that can be used to block out light instead of to reflect it. Reflectors are also great for bouncing a flash when there’s nothing around to bounce off of. There are several possibilities for how redirecting the light can make for a better photo or replace other lighting equipment.

Folding a Reflector: Step-by-Step Guide

This image provides a step-by-step guide on how to properly fold a collapsible reflector. Folding a reflector can seem tricky at first, but following these steps makes it straightforward.

Steps to Fold a Reflector:

1. Hold the Reflector
   • Start by holding the reflector at opposite ends with both hands.
2. Twist the Reflector
   • Twist your hands in opposite directions. This will begin to fold the reflector into a figure-eight shape.
3. Collapse the Reflector
   • Continue twisting until the reflector forms a smaller loop. At this point, the reflector should begin to collapse into itself.
4. Secure the Fold
   • Continue to fold the smaller loop over itself until the reflector is completely collapsed into a compact, circular shape. Ensure it is secure and won’t pop open.

Following these steps will help you easily fold and store your reflector, keeping it compact and ready for your next photography session.

Practical Tips:

• Practice makes perfect. The more you fold your reflector, the easier it will become.
• Ensure you don’t force the reflector too hard to avoid damaging the frame.
• Store the reflector in its carrying case to keep it safe and protected.

This guide helps photographers efficiently manage their equipment, ensuring reflectors are easy to carry and quick to deploy when needed.

Five Top Tips for Using a Reflector

Using a photography reflector is rather straightforward — simply hold it at an angle that reflects the light the way you want it. Watch how the light changes as you adjust the angle, and find the angle that works the best for your shot. But there are a few tricks to getting the most from a reflector.

1. Hold the Reflector Directly Opposite a Light Source If you hold the reflector directly opposite the light source, you’ll get the most, or brightest, light. Depending on how much light there is, you can still reflect light from other angles and positions. There just isn’t as much light reflected.
2. Use a Reflector to Fill in Shadows Reflectors are great for fixing odd shadows. If the light is directly behind the subject, using a reflector directly in front of the subject will help prevent a
3. silhouette. If the light is coming from one side, using a reflector on the opposite side will help fill in the shadows. Sometimes, light is blocked by large objects. Placing a reflector close to the object can help.
4. Try Different Angles Don’t just limit the reflector to upright angles. Laying the reflector on the ground in front of the subject when taking a portrait can help prevent under-eye shadows.
5. Attach the Reflector to a Stand Sometimes it’s impossible to hold the reflector at the perfect angle and still take a picture. Enlist some help if you can, or attach the reflector to a stand or prop it up against something.
6. Take Distance into Consideration Remember, distance matters too. A large light source and a close light source create the softest light. Try placing the reflector closer to the subject ifthe light is too hard.

Four Reasons to Use a Reflector in Photography

1. Amplify a Poor Light Source If you’re stuck with inadequate natural lighting and don’t have a powerful photo light box at your disposal, a reflector will be your saving grace. Photography reflectors are generally portable and easy to carry around, unlike additional photo light boxes that are quite heavy.
2. Diffuse a Light Source A hard light source can thoroughly wash out an object’s features or setting, creating harsh shadows in the photo. A diffuser, often part of ‘5 in 1’ reflectors, works by evenly spreading a light source passing through it so that the result is soft or diffused light.
3. Achieve Special Effects A reflector can help you take control of the color tones and intensity of light, which can help you create plenty of special lighting effects. The scope for customization is endless, and you can achieve incredible light settings across both indoor and outdoor projects.
4. Block Unwanted Light Sources Photography reflectors can block out unwanted light sources, making them useful in wildlife photoshoots, as animals are much less likely to run away from a reflected light source in comparison to a harsher flash light source.

What Reflector Should I Buy? Four Things to Consider

1. Size Larger light sources are softer, so if you pick up a small reflector, it will likely create harsher shadows. A 42” is a good middle ground, with nice soft light and fairly easy handling.
2. Shape The shape of the reflector will determine the shape of the light and the catch lights or sparkles in a person’s eyes.
3. Color A silver reflector will bounce the most light but may be too harsh in some scenarios. A white reflector offers softer light. Gold reflectors warm up the light that’s bounced. Four-in-one reflectors offer silver, white, gold, and black options.
4. Handles make them easier to use. Many reflectors are inexpensive, but there are also fancy ones that stretch out over metal frames. Size and color are the biggest factors in how they affect your images.

Special Reflectors

Create beautiful clamshell lighting with a single light source. Ideal for portraits and headshots, the Eye lighter’s arc-shaped design matches the natural curve of the human eye, resulting in a seamless catch light without unflattering shapes or gaps.

Steps to create a Clamshell Lighting Setup:

1. Gather
   • Eye lighter or omega reflector
   • Light sources (strobes or continuous lights)
   • Light modifiers (soft boxes)
2.  Your Equipment:
3. Position the Key Light:
   • Set up your key light in front of and slightly above the subject.
   • Angle it downward toward the subject’s nose.
   • Adjust the distance for the desired lighting effect and take a test shot.
4. Add the Fill Light:
   • Place the fill light directly underneath the key light.
   • Point it upward toward the subject at a 45-degree angle.
   • Adjust brightness to be two stops below the key light and take another test shot.
5. Shoot the Clamshell Image:
   • Stand behind the lights and shoot through the gap.
   • Adjust the position as needed and take multiple shots.

By following these steps, you can create a clamshell lighting setup using the Eye lighter reflector, resulting in beautiful, soft light with faint shadows and glorious catch lights. Experiment with different modifiers, light positions, and additional lights to expand your creative possibilities with clamshell lighting.

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