Lighting is one of the problematic aspects when it comes to photography. Reflectors become a helping hand here through which the light from the sun or other sources can be reflected on the subject. From casual shooters to serious hobbyists, they are useful for all kinds of photography lovers. Let us explore in detail.

A reflector is used to reflect the light toward the subject during outdoor or photo studio shoots. You can use them with or without flash. They usually lie on the stand or are held by someone to do the job. Even if you have a fantastic main light source, some parts in the picture are not well-lit. In this case, a reflector becomes necessary to have. It basically bounces the light from the source to the subject in the right way. There are two main types, popular as natural and artificial reflectors. Natural ones are the surfaces in the surroundings that can bounce light. Artificial ones include gold, silver, and white reflectors. From small to large, you can choose from a range of sizes. On this page, we will explore some details about them so that you can choose the best and top-rated photography reflectors.

Things to know about photography light reflector

A reflector is one of the essential lighting accessories. They are lightweight, collapsible, and, most importantly, easy to transport. From portraits to weddings, product and macro photography, there are useful everywhere. They come in many sizes, and you do not need a large one always. They also come in different shapes. However, common ones are rectangular, sound, and triangular. They are generally available in gold, white and silver finishes. Your choice depends upon the kind of light you want. For example, a white reflector will result in natural light bouncing back, whereas a silver one will give a cool reflection with greater contrast. Read on to know more. Towards the end, you will also find some tips for choosing the best reflector for indoor photography and outdoor locations.

Size & shape of studio reflector

Reflectors come in many size options, from small to medium and even large varieties. The smaller ones can be easily held by a hand, whereas a large one will require sturdy support. You will not always require a large one. However, if you are capturing a portrait down to waist height or something of a similar area, then you might have to go for large sizes. Speaking of their shape, they generally come in triangular, rectangular, and round shapes. However, the choice of shape is not as important as the choice made for size. You need to make sure that the size and shape you choose cover the required area perfectly.

Common types like white, silver & gold reflector

Reflectors are commonly sold in white and silver finishes. However, gold ones are also popular. Your selection will depend upon the lighting you want to bounce back into your photography. For example, a white type will keep the light same as the natural light without any colour shifts. So, this is the most common type of all. A silver one, on the other hand, gives a cool reflection. Gold type is a common choice for portraits as it reflects a warmer tone. You can buy a set containing different options to cover a range of possibilities. They also come in sets containing different patterns that be zipped together into one mainframe.

Reasons for using reflectors in photography

A reflector is one of the essential accessories for a photographer, whether he/she works in a studio or outdoors in natural light. It is generally placed opposite your main light source, which can create a great bounce effect. Different reflective screens have different benefits to offer. Silver can increase highlights and give you a high contrast image. It is a great choice for product shots, videos, and black and white photography. On the other hand, Gold is useful when you need a warm golden touch in a photo. Black blocks the light and is also popular for subtracting the light. White is another common choice that produces an even and neutral colour light.

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