The Difference a Reflector Makes

April 17, 2019

Before last year I had never used a reflector. I didn’t own one, and to be honest, they kind of intimidated me. Well, I finally bit the bullet and got one. And you know what? I hated it at first! Go figure, right? I found it cumbersome, hard to manage, and even harder to hold. I also couldn’t figure out how the heck to bounce light back where I wanted it. I’d bring it to sessions only to get it out once and put it back away. It was awful.

However, then I took a class online all about seniors. It was awesome, and I feel like it really took my game to the next level. We focused on reflectors for a week, and I took it out of its case to experiment with it. The result? I will never leave it in its case again. It’s a total game changer.

Here’s a picture WITHOUT a reflector. I didn’t have anyone there to hold it for me. I love this picture (and Abby and Emily!), and I don’t see much wrong with it as is.

Two teenage girls hugging each other outside | Senior Photographer in Michigan

With a Reflector

Not bad, right? Now, let’s put Abby in by herself and use Emily as an awesome reflector holder and see what happens:

A senior girl posing for her session with light from a reflector bouncing back on her face | Saginaw, Michigan Portrait Photographer

Ta-da! Can you see the difference? There is now added light on her face and in her eyes. There are no more shadows on her face. It is evenly lit. I love the difference using a reflector makes.

Here’s a close-up version of Olivia. You can see the sun is hitting her from behind. She is facing away from the light source, so the opposite side of her face should be darker. But, with a reflector it is nicely lit! Isn’t she beautiful?

A teenage girl posing with her head slightly bent and her eyes down while a reflector adds in fill light to her face | Senior session in Michigan

My last picture is of Anna. She was facing a part of Dow Gardens that was almost completely dark just behind me. But with the reflector, I was able to shine that light back on her face and get that lovely rim lighting on her hair at the same time.

Dark skinned girl with rim light around her hair. Saginaw, Michigan Photographer

I’m so glad I have a reflector and that I’ve discovered what it can do for my pictures. And I’m super excited to take it out for some more spins just next month with my first seniors of the season. Welcome, spring! Thinking of booking with me for your senior (or your own session)? Contact me to get things started!

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