I just got a reflector so I had to try it out! Here are a few shots of my daughter Ella (in the pink) and her friend Chloe (in the yellow). I am really happy with this thing! I don't know why I didn't buy one sooner! Feel free to C&C. If you have any advice or tips with using a reflector please share them! Thanks!
I am brand new to this stuff, but they look a little too bright to me... i agree that the reflector will give you a lot of new opportunities to light your subject, but it looks like you very nearly blew out your highlights in almost all of the picts.
again, i am the newest of newbies, so take that with a shaker of salt. maybe it was too close?
i like the setup of the chair outside. she looks like she is having fun.
Sarah Salyer wrote:
Over 200 views and no responses. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? If you like them tell me if you don't still, TELL ME!
Now it is 400 views and only 2 responses.
That seems to be the way this forum works, unfortunately.
I just came across your thread so I will now add a comment or two.
1. My first response to the topic is "good" as reflectors are something I highly recommend.
2. My response to viewing the images was: "ouch" that light must be bright.
There is an image (#4) that shows one of the little darlings shielding her eyes. I can imagine the light from the reflector was very bright because of the intensity of the sunlight.
Looking at the rest of the scene, one can tell there was a high level of ambient sunlight, perhaps very direct sunlight with a clear blue sky. When reflected in a typical reflector, that can be too intense.
This will lead to uncomfortable levels of light for anyone to look into. Of course the photographer will not feel this when they are behind the camera.
With young subjects or infants (who cannot articulate their reason for discomfort), it is imperative the photographer use the reflected light with care. Technique and material makes a difference.
My Simple Suggestion: When shooting outdoors in a sunny environment, use a reflector to illuminate the 'shadow' side of a subject with just enough light to provide 'fill' and not too much intensity. Use the natural sunlight for the 'key' or 'highlight' side of the face and figure.
IF you are shooting in open shade, you might try the opposite.
Putting it simply, adjust the use of the reflector or the type of reflector to reduce the amount of direct 'hot' sunlight striking the eyes and face of the subjects.
In order to help you more, tell me specifically what kind of reflector you used. Describe the size, the material (gold/silver/white/mylar/cloth/foil/paper/etc..). Then indicate how you used the reflector. Was it held by someone or propped up by something and not moving? You might think these bits of info don't make a difference, but they do.
I hope these comments help you.
Now, I hope you will help me too. A little "take and give" if you will. I would like your Impressions on any of my work as described in the following link. Follow this link to learn more about my Global Impressions Project and how a few words from you can help. http://steadmanuhlich.com/globalforum/global_impressions.htm
Thanks so much for the comments. I kinda liked the brightness but maybe I was wrong. I actually even boosted the exposure a tad in lightroom! Guess I should have left that alone! Well as far as the reflector itself, it is a 32 inch 4 in 1. She had the silver side for most then we changed it to the gold. I think the gold was better but I do like the silver too. I thought she was a little close so I told her to back up. We were both new to using it. Chalk it up to trial and error I guess! The little girl who appeared to be blinded was actually crying. They didn't seem to be bothered by the reflector at all, Chloe just wanted Ella out of "her" chair lol ! I will go back into lightroom and take the brightness down a bit. I'll repost one afterwards! Keep the comments coming!
I think the overall brightness is great, it just seems to be a bit too much in certain spots in certain photos. I always tend to boost the exposure in lightroom a bit too and if the highlights aren't blown it should improve images like this.
So - the brightness problem is not a problem with the overall exposure; it is simply that there is too much light being reflected. Try moving the reflector further away.
