INSTRUCTIONS & TIPS
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Portrait Photography: Use of Reflectors
If you're looking to improve your portrait photography skills, you will undoubtedly get yourself a reflector at some point.
There is a bewildering range of choices to the uninitiated when it comes to reflectors.
They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so it's important to know what you're looking for and what will best suit your needs.
Image by Dwayne Bent
Shapes
The most common remains the circular reflector, but you'll also find square, rectangular and triangular versions available.
Circular reflectors tend to be the most budget-friendly and have the widest range of sizes.
I'm a big fan of the triangular reflectors, as they come with a built-in handle, making them very easy to hold.
You'll also find some rectangular reflectors that come with built-in handles.
Sizes
There is a huge range of sizes available – from tiny pocket-sized reflectors that will illuminate a small area (such as a face) to six-foot-tall reflectors that will need a stand to keep them in position.
The larger the reflector, the more your light will be diffused, and this will also make the light softer.
If you're only going to buy one reflector, then a 30" is probably the best option – it's a good size but still folds up small enough to be fully portable.
Image by Garry Knight
Using your reflector
The best way to think of your reflector is as a fill light.
You don't necessarily want it to overpower the natural or artificial light you're using but rather reflect the light to shine where you want it. It can also take a little practice to use a reflector.
You need to make sure that the light is hitting the reflector.
The easiest way to do this is to keep angling your reflector towards your subject's face until you see the light hitting their face.
Reflectors are one of the least expensive accessories you can have in your kit, yet they are extremely versatile in natural and artificial lighting situations.
Whenever a light source is available, they will help focus and define your images. In my opinion, every photographer should carry one at all times!
