In this Slanted Lens lighting tutorial we take a look at the basics of reflectors and how to use them on location. We shot Liz Hernandez from E-TV on location at the Ultimate Grave Yard and had a great shoot. From this shoot we are going to take a beginning look at reflectors, the different colors and practical application examples on how to use them. As a beginning photographer, using a reflector is an easy way to start to modify light and learn where to place the light source in relationship to your subject. Using reflectors and becoming good at placing them will teach you how to place strobes. Good light placement is the same for both strobes and reflectors but easier to see with a reflector than it is with strobes. The color examples used in this video are all based on Photoflex reflectors which can be seen at http://www.photoflex.com. 
Good luck and keep on click'n! Jay P. Morgan.

Nikon D600 | Nikon D7100 | Nikon D800 | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon EOS-1D X

#1 For this lighting demonstration showing reflectors we set Liz with the sun rimming her from camera left. The sun becomes a nice rim light on her legs and hair.  I'm exposing for the sun which leaves her body and face dark and in need of light. This is where the reflectors come in.

Recommended Reading:

• Portrait Photographer's Handbook 
• 500 Poses for Photographing Women
• 500 Poses for Photographing Men
• Posing for Portrait Photography: A Head-to-Toe Guide for Digital Photographers
• Doug Box's Guide to Posing for Portrait Photographers
• Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers
• Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It: Learn Step by Step How to Go from Empty Studio to Finished Image

 

#2 A reflector is just like a strobe head or hot light. It needs to be place in the right place to be effective and make your talent look good. If you sit the reflector on the ground,which is very common, it will light from underneath and not be as flattering as when its raised into the air like a light on a stand.

The reflector used in this photograph is white which gives you a neutral soft light. 

 

 

#3 In this photograph we used a Photoflex white gold reflector. Its more directional and gives a warm harder light. I love this reflector because of the warmth and contrast it creates. Its not to much in my opinion but enough to warm the skin and brighten the face.

 

 

#4 This image was shot with a solid gold reflector. This reflector creates a hard light with a strong warm color. Its great on a cloudy day when there is not much sunlight in the sky.  I use them at other times as well depending on how far the sun is from the subject and how cool the light is. On an overcast day I will most likely use a solid gold reflector. 

NIKON Prime Lenses	CANON Prime Lenses	SIGMA Prime Lenses
Nikon 24mm f/1.4	Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II	Sigma 24mm f/1.8 EX DG
Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G	Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM	Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM
Nikon 35mm f/1.4G	Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L	Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G	Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II	Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
Nikon 300mm f/2.8G AF-S ED	Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS	Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG IF

 

 

#5 Our last image was shot with a silver reflector. Silver throws a very hard neutral light that's great for black and white because of the contrast it creates. It also can be good when there is not much sun.