This paper reveals the skills of using the reflector of portrait photography auxiliary equipment.

This paper reveals the skills of using the reflector of portrait photography auxiliary equipment.

Photography is the art of light and shadow, and the ability to capture light and shadow can reflect the photographer's level. In addition to natural light shooting, many times we need to artificially change the effect of light, and sometimes the result of natural light shooting is not ideal. At this time, you need to use a reflector.

As an auxiliary equipment in shooting, reflector is as common as flash. Using the reflector well according to the needs of the environment can make the plain picture more full and reflect the good image light sense and texture. At the same time, using it to properly change the light in the picture is also very good for concise picture components and highlighting the main body. Reflecting plate is our commonly used light supplement equipment.

Photography is the art of light and shadow, and the ability to capture light and shadow can reflect the photographer's level. In addition to natural light shooting, many times we need to artificially change the effect of light, and sometimes the result of natural light shooting is not ideal. At this time, you need to use a reflector.

As an auxiliary equipment in shooting, reflector is as common as flash. Using the reflector well according to the needs of the environment can make the plain picture more full and reflect the good image light sense and texture. At the same time, using it to properly change the light in the picture is also very good for concise picture components and highlighting the main body. Reflecting plate is our commonly used light supplement equipment.

Understand the reflector-the "type" of reflector

Reflector plate

White reflector

The light reflected by the white reflector is very fine. Because its reflective performance is not very strong, the effect is soft and natural. When you need a little light, use this reflector to fill in the details in the shadow.

Silver reflector

Because the silver reflector is as smooth as a mirror, it can emit brighter light. Silver reflector is the most commonly used reflector. The effect of this reflector is easily reflected in the eyes of the subject, thus producing large and bright eye light.

The reflector can be used in combination with studio lights and flashlights.

Golden reflector

Like the silver reflector, it reflects light like a smooth mirror, but contrary to the cold-tuned silver reflector, the light it produces is warmer in color and is mostly used as the main light to supplement the light.

Raccoon eyes will appear when the light is overhead.

Black reflector

Technically, it is not a reflector, but a dimmer. Other reflectors are used according to the method of adding lights, in order to add lights to the scene. The black reflector is used to reduce the amount of light by dimming. Why use a black reflector? For various reasons, we often have to shoot with annoying overhead lights. The face shot by this kind of light often produces raccoon eyes. By putting a black reflector on your subject's head, you can reduce the light at the top. If you want to eliminate the strong light competition, you may wish to use a black reflector.

The role of reflector in indoor portrait

When the window light source is the main light, you can use the reflector to fill the light slightly and brighten your face.

Soft and natural light effects can better match the femininity of the model.

The light reflected by the white reflector is very fine. Because its reflective performance is not very strong, the effect is soft and natural. I found that when I need to add a little light, I often use this kind of reflector to fill in the details in the shadow. Fill the dark parts of skin, clothes and sheets to minimize the shadow between sheets and people and avoid black blocks, so as to make the whole picture look pure.

Environmental portrait

When shooting, the lighting conditions are good, but the characters are blocked by the branches and leaves of trees, so it is suitable to use reflectors.

Without fill light, it will not only be "mottled with light and shadow", but also the subject will be integrated with the background and lack of hierarchy.

When shooting a scene with dense foliage, the flash can easily brighten the leaves around the characters at the same time. At this time, the reflector is more advantageous. It is easy to control, just adjust its angle and distance. In addition, because of its soft light, it is not easy to cause dazzling highlights.

Author: Griff

Attention should be paid to the direction of the fill light, and the position of the reflector should be moved back and forth based on the principle of adapting to the human face, so as to remove the mottled light and shadow on the model's face while the light is soft and maintain the artistic conception of the environment.

Backlit portrait

When the person is in the backlight position and forms a large light ratio with the background, it is suitable to use the reflector.

There is a large light ratio between the background and the subject of the character.

Author: Griff

In the case of strong sunlight, the light ratio between the subject and the background of the person is often large. Due to the characteristics of digital camera imaging components, if the dark part is exposed under the condition of relatively large light, it will be overexposed, making the highlights of the background lose details and become dead white. On the other hand, if the bright part is exposed, it will cause underexposure and lose the details of the dark part. In order to avoid this situation, the reflector can be used to fill the light to reduce the light ratio and capture beautiful side light.

Besides the above, if you don't want to use too much, too hard and too straight light in the image, the reflector is also an excellent weapon to simplify the light.

Simplify lighting

Effectively unify light and shadow and highlight the subject of the model.

Author: Griff

Usually, when shooting outdoors, the light situation is complicated, and it is difficult to control all the light factors in the picture. To simplify the light, in short, add a little reflection. When the mirror is operated, it can be projected where you want to project by adjusting it. Compared with flash, it is more controllable, which can make the whole picture look better and make the subject more attractive.

Fill-up skill of reflector

Author: Griff

1. There is no big limit to fill light, and the final effect shall prevail. Whether it is forward light, backward light or side backlight, it can fill the light.

2. Portraits are mainly soft, so the intensity of supplementary light must be considered, not necessarily enhanced light.

3. Basically, the key is to pay attention to the balance between scene and portrait fill light, avoid abrupt fill light, and try to make the whole feel natural.

If you can make up from a high angle, don't illuminate from a low angle, try to simulate the angle of sunlight.

Author: Griff

5. Pay attention to the light balance in the light-filled area of the portrait, not necessarily the whole body, but often only the part.

6. Small changes in fill light may have a great impact in the post-processing stage.

7. When the model's eyes can't adapt to the reflection, you can adjust the angle of the reflector to solve it.

8. A flash can sometimes be used with a mirror, which serves as a refractive surface.

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