Reflectors

 Using Reflectors For Portraits

When using a reflector in portraits, the reflector will bounce the light from the reflector onto the model and this will give you an instant result every single time you take an image, unlike a flash or external flash. Reflectors are used when there is complete shadow on any of the models main features that is being focused on, and this is mainly their eyes, nose and chin, so when the light hits the reflector and hits the model, the shadows will then open up  and allow light to shine onto the models face and make the image more eye-catching.

Using reflectors are an advantage in photography because it creates a flash like effect but not as harsh and bright towards the object or objects that are being photographed. They are also a great tool for making your object or model, more eye-catching in the most natural way possible because the image will give off a very soft and warm feeling effect. Different reflectors give off different effects, such as the silver reflector gives of a more harsh and brighter effect, whereas a white reflector will give off a natural effect and not as bright.

For my class exercise we got put into groups of five and I was put with Natalie, Neil, Faye and Charlie and we had to find somewhere that would give a great location for examples when using reflectors. We had a set up of two of us had to hold the reflector to hold it steady, two of us photographing our model and one of us being the model. When it was my turn to photograph the examples, Natalie was my model and I had her standing in the same composition, so that all my examples would show the effect of the reflectors that I am am trying to show.

The way that the white reflector effects Natalie is that it makes her face look more neutral and natural.
The way that the silver reflector effects Natalie is that it makes her stand out more to the viewer by how bold the glow of the reflector makes her.
The way that working without a reflector really shows Natalie's shadowed face and none of her features are bold and vibrant like you can see when I used the silver and white reflectors.

 Here are my three examples of reflectors. These images show examples of a silver and white reflector and without a reflector:

Silver Reflector

White Reflector

Without Reflector