Setting Up Reflectors for Natural Light Photography
Natural light can be used to enhance photographs taken outdoors. However, it can also create unwanted shadows on the subject. A reflector will bounce natural light onto a subject to prevent and remove shadows and dark spots. Reflectors are available in all shapes, sizes and colors, including silver, gold, diffusion, white and combination panels. Fold-up reflectors that are small enough to be folded up and placed in a camera bag are available.
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Instructions
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Shoot the photograph with the sun behind you. This way, the sun will fall onto the subject instead of creating a silhouette of it.
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Place a reflector in front of the subject tilted up at a 45-degree angle. This works best when placing the subject underneath a tree or within a shadow.
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Hang a reflector on either the left, right or both sides of you -- the photographer -- between you and the subject. The reflector should be on a slight angle so it bounces the sunlight up toward the subject. Have an assistant hold the reflector about waist high if you do not have a stand to put it on.
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Have the subject hold the reflector near his torso. This technique works great when shooting head shots outside.
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Tips & Warnings
If you do not have the money to buy professionally manufactured reflectors, you can make one yourself by using large pieces of cardboard and aluminum foil.
A large white surface, such as a wall or delivery truck side, can be used as a reflective surface when taking photos outdoors.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
