How can you effectively use reflectors and diffusers in commercial photography?

1 What are reflectors and diffusers?

Reflectors are devices that bounce or reflect light from a source onto your subject, while diffusers are devices that soften or spread light from a source over your subject. Both reflectors and diffusers can be made of different materials, such as fabric, foam, metal, or plastic, and come in various shapes, colors, and sizes. Reflectors and diffusers can be used separately or together, depending on the desired outcome.

2 Why use reflectors and diffusers?

Reflectors and diffusers can help you improve the lighting conditions of your commercial photography, whether you are shooting indoors or outdoors. They can help you fill in shadows, reduce harsh contrasts, enhance colors, create highlights, or modify the shape and direction of the light. By using reflectors and diffusers, you can achieve a more balanced and flattering exposure for your subject, and create a more professional and appealing image.

3 How to use reflectors and diffusers?

The basic principle of using reflectors and diffusers is to position them between the light source and your subject, at an angle that suits your purpose. For example, if you want to fill in the shadows on your subject's face, you can place a reflector opposite to the light source, and angle it so that it reflects some light back onto your subject's face. If you want to soften the light on your subject, you can place a diffuser in front of the light source, and adjust it so that it covers the area you want to illuminate.

4 What types of reflectors and diffusers are there?

There are many types of reflectors and diffusers available for commercial photography, each with its own characteristics and advantages. Collapsible reflectors, for instance, are portable and flexible, making them easily storable. They usually have different colors on each side, such as white, silver, gold, or black, which can create a range of effects on the light. For example, white reflectors can provide a neutral and soft fill light, while gold reflectors can add a warm and sunny tone. Umbrellas can be used as either reflectors or diffusers depending on how they are used; when pointed at a flash or strobe they will act as a reflector and bounce the light back onto your subject, while pointing the flash or strobe through an umbrella will act as a diffuser and spread the light over your subject. Softboxes also act as diffusers with their translucent front panel which creates a soft and even illumination. These boxes come in various shapes such as square, rectangular, or octagonal to provide different effects on the light; larger softboxes create a softer and more natural light while smaller softboxes create a sharper and more directional light.

5 What sizes of reflectors and diffusers are best?

The size of the reflector or diffuser you use depends on the size of your subject, the distance between the light source and the subject, and the effect you want to achieve. Generally speaking, the larger the reflector or diffuser, the softer and more diffused the light will be, and the smaller the reflector or diffuser, the harder and more concentrated the light will be. For example, if you are shooting a portrait, you may want to use a large reflector or diffuser to create a flattering and smooth light on your subject's face. If you are shooting a product, you may want to use a small reflector or diffuser to create a crisp and contrasty light on your subject's details.