Reflectors and Diffusers

by Mike Clipka, 2014 Education Chair

I found this excellent website that is free & pretty much covers the soup to nuts of photography techniques, including Post Production of your images.  Here’s one example of many Post Production articles posted there: “Understanding Layers in Photoshop” located at the following link:
http://digital-photography-school.com/understanding-layers-in-photoshop/

Most the articles are explained in plain & understandable language.  A lot of the articles are short too.  Some articles are lengthy, but that’s because of the subject matter. 

The following is partial quote from a post by Darren Rowse at the following link:  http://digital-photography-school.com/using-reflectors-to-light-your-subject/

Using Reflectors to Light Your Subject

“…Using a reflector helps with this by reflecting available light into those areas of your subjects face that would be in shadow without it. Quite often the best place for one is below your subjects face reflecting light back up into those dark under-spots…

Reflectors generally come in two colors, silver and gold. Each gives off different light, silver ones giving a bright and whiter reflection and gold giving a warmer and more subtle light.  To use a reflector you’ll usually want to get it pretty close to your subject – without getting it in the shot. Place your subject so that they are not looking directly into the sun (I like back or side light) and then position the reflector so that it’s glow bounces back up to light up your subject’s face. You’re ideally looking for a nice even light with no shadows so keep positioning the reflector until you achieve this (an assistant can be handy with this – although if your shot is more tightly cropped you might even be able to get the reflector positioned in your subjects lap)….”.

Partial quote from post by Darren Rowse at Reflector Photography: How to Use a Reflector for Stunning Portraits

Notes: When using reflectors outside, it is usually for the purpose of using Natural light rather then flash, which can often end up looking harsh on a subjects face.  Usually you will position your subject with the Sun behind them.  I recommend putting the Sun at a slight angle behind your subject.  If you don’t hide the Sun behind the subject you will have to avoid having the Sun shine directly into your lens.

If you want to pursue learning more from the many other excellent Photography techniques articles, they can be found at the Digital Photography School website.

I own a collapsible reflector with the typical gold/silver sides.  If you are out somewhere on your own, you will more than likely need to get a reflector holder stand.  Some reflectors are 5-in-1 and come with a holder.  The example at the right from Amazon costs less than $60.

As you can see, the other color reflectors are usually held together with Velcro.  This and similar kits usually include a diffuser.  Sometimes you may need some different size clamps to hold a reflector.  I bought some at Home Depot.  I have two sizes.  They generally run $1.00 to $2.00 each, or you might save money per clamp if you buy a multiple set in a package.

Diffusers

There are a wide variety of Diffusers each with a specific purpose.  Some diffusers attach to your flash, and others are hand or stand held.  You might see diffusers in Portrait Studios as covers for the light fixtures.  Those generally are used to color correct fluorescent lights.  

Many flash units now include a pull-out diffuser that flips down over the flash head: There are also a variety of “Dome” type diffusers that fit over the flash head:

These will usually help eliminate harsh shadows when the subject is close to a wall.  If they are standing in front of a window, you should position yourself to a slight angle as even when using any type of diffuser will most often result in a bright hot spot on the glass. 
There are even a few small diffusers now for cameras that have a pop-up flash.  They sit in the opening between the camera & the flash.  The one shown at this website swivels too. 

Regarding the use of hand or stand held collapsible diffusers; their main use is usually in getting diffused light in people portraits (usually a close up of a face or faces), flower/insect and other close-up pictures.  

These can be used in tandem with a reflector as shown in this diagram above

Here’s a before/after diffuser only comparison: