Was looking for some advice on reflector usage. I currently own both a 30" round 5-in-1 reflector, as well as a Lastolite 33" Tri-Flip. I've had good success with them when used in a studio setting to direct strobe light, however while I've had some success using them outdoors, I feel like I'm missing something. The problem I'm having is that when used to provide fill back into a subject face, the reflected light seems to invariably cause squinting which is one of the things I'm trying to avoid in the first place by getting the subject out of direct sunlight (among others obviously).
Was hoping to hear tips that others have found helpful when using reflectors outdoors.
It's a bit like asking the best way to pound a nail with screwdriver. The answer is use a hammer instead.
The reason a backlight scenario is used vs. sun as key light is the squinting problem — it's difficult to get light into the eyes without blinding the subject. There's no good way I know around the same problem with a reflector so all things considered its better to use flash unless you have a phalanx of assistants to hoist and hold down scrims to diffuse the sunlight.
alohadave wrote:
What does any of that have to do with using a reflector?
Nothing.
Eric was right. Don't use silver unless it's cloudy. Not only does it cause squinting, but it also tends to overfill and look fakey, kind of like bad flash fill.
I like large white reflectors used close to the subject. Time of day also has an effect, I prefer to shoot during the golden hour. Light level is down a little and easier on the subject.
My 2 cents; do not reflect directly onto the subject - used the feathered edge. In other words aim off to the side. The light is much less harsh and you avoid all those shadows going the wrong way. Also - IMHO I would add to the "avoid silver except on cloudy days" - "avoid gold 'warming' reflectors except on cloudy days" - unless it is the type with fine zigzag gold strips in a field of white. Straight gold is too much especially on a sunny day at the golden hour.
Thanks for the suggestions, I agree with the comments on using diffusion instead of reflection when possible. I'll try sticking with the white side and see if that doesn't help things.
Another variaty, in cases where white isn't reflecting enough power or you feel it hasn't enough oomph, is to cover a silver with a thin diffusion silk / veil. Takes off the harshness.
The diffusion reflector was used to shade the model. It brings the whole exposure on her down which means any things else that would normally be shadowed now gets enough fill from the sky and surrounding buildings bouncing back light.
Just put the subject into the shade and white reflector into the sun. Because a white reflects in many directions, you don't even need to aim it. It will brighten the face and add a catch light in the eyes.
If the subject is in the sun, then use a shiny reflector (I like soft-gold or zebra) to the side 45% or greater and feather it into the subject.
Here is one of mine in bright sun using a zebra to mitigate the racoon eye effect.
Notice the hair shadow and catchlight showing that it is really at 45%+.
You can tell by the shadow on her hands that the sun is directly over head.
I also use a face brightening technique in PS, where you draw an oval around the face and brighten just that area a little. Then a smaller oval in the middle of the face to brighten that just a little more.
