Are you feeling a little confused about photography reflectors? Not sure how to use them? We can get you sorted out! We've written up a few valuable tips to help get you started.

No photographer should be without at least one decent reflector - ideally, you should have several. If you want to produce marvelous images, you will want to learn how to use them well. 

The Role of a Reflector

Reflectors can make you into a master manipulator of light (if there ever was such a thing). They take natural or artificial light and either diffuse, bounce, or flag it. In other words, they can reflect (push) light into the darker areas of the image to reduce the contrast between any shadows and highlights. 

Think of it as redirecting, softening, or even blocking (flagging) light to improve an image. However, you'll want a good-quality reflector to get this accomplished. 

If you've never worked with a reflector before, it can be tough to know which one to use and equally challenging to use it properly. So, we've broken things down by basic types because numerous sizes, colors, and features are available.

Reflector Size

We recommend selecting a reflector size according to whether you're shooting inside or outside the studio. 

• Outside of the studio: We suggest using a portable 40" reflector with interchangeable surfaces. Larger reflectors will be harder to transport.

• In the studio: Larger-sized reflectors will offer the best light control indoors. Since you're not having to worry about transporting them, larger ones will work best indoors.

Reflector Colors

Reflectors come in various colors and, if you're just starting out, it can be a challenge to know which does what and which you might need. Read on for some clarity:

• Translucent: A translucent cover will diffuse light, softening and broaden/spreading it. This can be nice for portraits.

• White: White reflector surfaces can produce neutral-colored bounce light that can act as a great fill-light.

• Gold: A gold reflector surface produces a natural-looking, warm fill light with a tinge of gold. It works well with indoor portraits or outdoors at sunset. You need to be careful when using it because the gold can make things more orange than you might want.

• Silver: Silver increases highlights and yields a high-contrast image. That can be good for product photography, videos, or black and white photography.

• Black: As with most black surfaces, black absorbs light and works well to reduce or block (flag) light.

Setting Up a Reflector

There are several ways to use or handle a reflector. The method you use depends on the shoot itself, including the amount of light there is. You might try various handling methods (and positioning) on a shoot before being satisfied with the results. For example, if you're posing a model in one place for a while, you might want to take the time to set up a reflector stand. However, a handheld one offers more flexibility. 

Reflectors can be: 

• Handheld

• Propped up

• Placed on a reflector's stand

Using a Reflector in Natural Lighting/Outdoors

There are various factors or elements to consider if you're working with a photography reflector in natural light - outdoors.

• Diffusion: If you're shooting in the shade and want to diffuse the light to diminish or eliminate shadows, use a sheer white surface on the reflector. Put the reflector between the strongest source or direction of natural light and the subject.

• Diffusion with Flash: It can be tricky to work with a flash, but a translucent reflector can diffuse its light. You use it in much the same way you'd use it to diffuse (and redirect, if needed) a light source.

• Overcast or Shade: If you're shooting in the shade or on a heavily overcast day, you might find the lighting insufficient. Try using one or even two reflectors to add some light. We like to place one below the subject directly in front of them and a second one to either side of them.

• Backlighting: Some portraits benefit from backlighting that creates a soft haze behind your subject. It's a lovely effect, but it can leave other areas of the image in the shadows. You can use a reflector to bounce the natural light to fill in soft, even lighting where needed. Move the reflector to the sides of the subject to add or control shadows.

• Busy Background: If the subject is in front of a busy background, you can use a reflector (or a flash) to create space between them and the background. This often means moving the reflector very close to the subject. (You can edit it out later.)

Using a Reflector for Fill Light

If you've ever taken any portraits, you'll know how often unflattering shadows show up, particularly across a subject's face. This can ruin an image. However, you can use a reflector to redirect soft light, avoiding those shadows. There are two ways to avoid this: use a silver or gold reflector. (Having a reflector that comes with multiple reflective surfaces is a big plus.) Also, the amount of light or where you're shooting can dictate which one to use:

• Silver for shade: If you're shooting in the shade, we recommend using silver, the most reflective. In the shade, you'll be working with limited light, and silver helps you capture the most light to bounce. You can try various angles or distances.

• White for sunlight: When shooting in bright light, you might need to use white instead of silver. Silver would probably reflect way too much light, resulting in a harshly lighted image. The white side of the reflector will help soften the light and diminish shadows. It's a more flattering look for the subject, particularly on the face and skin tones.

Best Reflector for Headshots

If you've read this far, you've probably realized that reflectors are ideal for portrait headshots. You can diffuse, block, or divert light to obtain the most flattering look for any subject. If you specialize in portraits or headshots, we recommend keeping on hand several colors or types of reflectors, giving your more options and flexibility.

Don't be shy about experimenting and moving the reflector around to play around with the light. You can start with placing it immediately opposite your light source to bounce the fill light or right in front and below your subject to soften the light.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you've found our tips on photography reflectors useful! As you gain more experience with reflectors, you will find selecting sizes, colors, and positioning easier. You'll also find them one of the most impactful tools in photography, well worth your time.