I just recently acquired a Photo Reflector, the 5 in 1 type with 5 different surfaces. Cost about $60 and is probably the best $60 I ever spent.
See samples of my boudoir photoshoot where I used reflectors here http://boudoirsc.com
Here is what all the different sides of the reflector are for:
- White Side – for natural results
- Black Side – to block light and to shade
- Silver Side - add contrast to image
- Gold Side - for warmer but still natural light
- Translucent – to diffuse and soften light
What we did mostly is to point my SB-800 flash towards the reflector instead of the subject and let the light bounce through the reflector creating a softer light with less harsh shadows. We used mostly gold and silver for this photo shoot although I prefer the silver because the gold introduces a yellow cast to the photo.
Here is a sample boudoir shot with no flash, just natural light.
Here is a boudoir photograph with flash bounced off the silver side of the reflector. Notice how her skin is glowing with a silver sheen.
funny i prefer the first picture without flash!
Comment by Marc — December 2, 2008 @ 10:28 pm
I agree… in this comparison the flash looks horrible??? Please explain why you feel this is better
Comment by jc — January 1, 2009 @ 9:34 am
I go for the first shot too.
The second one the lighting is too flat and too harsh. Two things which rarely make a good boudoir photo.
You probably had the reflector a bit too close since you were using flash. Try putting the reflector up higher. Use low power on your flash and blend it in with the ambient light.
Or better yet, use the reflector to bounce the natural light back on the model without using the flash.
Comment by Job — March 13, 2009 @ 1:05 am
Me too really god without
Comment by Victor — July 20, 2009 @ 8:17 pm