Feature Friday: Using a Reflector | Meriden, CT Photographer

I have decided that I decided that I want to do a weekly post about Photography, on editing, composition, lighting, etc. Most of you know that I am a self taught Photographer from the “University of Google” as I like to call it. lol I’ve done lots and lots of research and I figured it was my turn to start giving back.

During my journey as a photographer, I have decided that I prefer natural light over using a flash, but this can be tricky. As a photographer, lighting can make or break your photo, but if you are using natural light it doesn’t always go where you want it to go. That’s where a reflector comes in.  I know I must look silly with this large big circle following around children, or asking for help to hold it, but it really makes a world of difference, and using it properly can make the editing process so much quicker.

Here are a couple examples of what I am talking about She was sitting in the same spot using the same settings. I needed to take a couple pictures of my biggest little girl Paige, so decided to use her as my model.

Here is a SOOC (straight out of the camera) not using the reflector.

Notice how her skin is blah looking, almost under exposed. Notice the shadows and uneven lighting around her eyes as well

Now here is using a reflector. It was sitting on her lap.

 

If you don’t have a reflector, or don’t want to spend the money on one (even though considering the cost of DSLR accessories a reflector is low on the totem pole), you can make your own! I’ve been known to leave my reflector in the car and my husband take the car to work. So I improvised! You can use a white poster board, or line a piece of cardboard with tin foil. All works! In fact, this was one of the days I was absent minded and left my reflector in my car, so I used a trifold poster board, you know the ones you did Science Fair projects on when you were a kid. I used the white side and Viola! Reflector!

I hope this helps! If you have any questions at all, feel free to email me at Liz@ElizabethFrederickPhotography.com