What is a reflector?
Basically it is anything that will bounce light onto your subject. There are many good reflectors available for photography (Such as the Lasolite 5-in1 reflector [which I am hoping to buy] ) or you could use aluminum foil wrapped over a cookie sheet or a piece of white poster board, or just a normal piece of paper.
How will a reflector change my photography?
Using reflectors totally changes the look of your subject. Look at the example below to see what I mean.
In the first image I did not use a reflector, Natalie's face is dark, her skin is splotched with shadows, and her eyes are dim. In the second image I used a piece of paper to bounce light onto, Natalie's face. Her eyes are brighter and they pop, her face is brightened and looks smoother. (lol I have no idea why she isn't smiling, I think she was grumpy that day :P )
See the difference?
This video will show you the effects of using a reflector. This video was made by Elizabeth Halford at Elizabeth Halford Photography. You really should check out her blog; it is really helpful, and I have learned so much from reading her posts.
Hope you guys were inspired, and I challenge you all to use a reflector next time you shoot. I guarantee you will see a difference.
P.S. If you do experiment with a reflector I would love if you posted the before and afters and commented with the link ;)
Cool! My older sister is a photographer and she once tried it, not at a shoot just out of boredom, just with a mirror, it was cool! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Laura