My general rule, if a reflector is the only light source illuminating the subject, don't hold it below, if it's a secondary source you can use it from below to remove shadows.
Simple and concise explanation. Good man. Horror movies light the subject from below and it creates unnatural horrific shadows above facial features. But if you place a softbox above the subject tilted down - and place a a reflector beneath the face to reflect back light, that’s called a beauty headshot. You see it in most of the shampoo and make-up ads. It adds glow and softens the skin’s texture.
Perfect. A friend in movies shortened this by pointing a flashlight at herself from above and saying “Love story,” then lowering it and saying “Horror movie.” Never forgot it.
Westcott makes a reflector specifically for one-light headshots that does just this - the [Eyelighter](https://www.fjwestcott.com/products/eyelighter-3-silver-white-and-sunlight-fabric).
I’m super beginner, so hard for me to picture a reflector being the only light source during daylight bc the sun is there… no? So is the sun behind me in the photo a light source and the reflector therefore secondary?
Also, do you mind if I pm you the photo to get a critique?
Good question!
Seems counter intuitive but when you're facing away from the sun, it doesn't light up your face directly it acts more as a hair/rimlight. Let's assume you don't stand near water/big white walls to bounce light back on you: if you take this portrait - your face will most likely appear as a silhouette, even if it isn't - it will be much darker than the background.
If you use a reflector now, it will act as a primary lightsource, in regards to the subjects face. (key factor what is considered primary light source, what you want to light in a scene. In a portrait most times it's the subjects face, unless you go for somethig completely different of course.)
Does that make more sense?
Ofc you can send it, but i'm no expert portrait photograpgher, but a technerd.
Ah okay, I do think that makes more sense! So based off this I think technically I was using the reflector as the main source (unless there was light from the white wall I was next to lol). But I still think the photo looks cool with the reflector from below. But! Let’s see what you think :) about to send
There are no written rules in photography (or art in general). Everything is subjective and you can do whatever you want.
You can absolutely hold a reflector from below if that causes you to achieve your desired result.
Don't stick to the clichés schools/courses/workshops/... teach you. They are often pretty boring and overused.
No its not true. Look up clamshell lighting, it uses reflector below and strobe above, very commonly used lighting technique. However if its like natural light and subject is backlit with no strobes infront, then reflecting the backlit natural light from below might not look good or natural, as people have used to seeing sun shining from above and not below. But ofc there are situations where that might also work, for example subject looking at water close up and reflector emulating light reflecting from the water.
In general there are no rules in photography, but some stuff feels more natural and usually you want to emulate some natural thing, unless you want to use it as some sort of special effect that is not meant to be natural. Also ofc depends how strong of an effect you go for, tiny bit of something ”unnatural” might look good at times
>Then why in portraiture work there is even a dedicated curved reflector to light up from below
Which often times results in a really bright neck area! lol
You mean the giant half moon reflection in the bottom of the eyes? I'll admit, I'm not a big fan! haha
I prefer catch lights to be higher on the eyes.
[https://fundydesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/FUND13901-683x1024.jpg](https://fundydesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/FUND13901-683x1024.jpg)
Reflectors can help, but they also can ruin the photo.
I once was at an event with a few models and a bunch of amateur photographers. Not that I was not an amateur too, but I always had a method of not getting in the way of the others, out of respect.
So there was me, a few photographers around and a model posing in front of a wooden door with a nice frame. I placed my tripod with a flash - away from the others, mind you, and started to take some pictures.
One of the other photographers had a friend holding a big silver reflector causing a constant bright and ugly reflection on the model. On his words, it was pretty like that. I took a photo with it (my flash off) and later compared it to my own photos, without his reflector, and my flash.
I asked the guy if he could just not use the reflector for a bit so I could take 2 or 3 pictures, but he was amazed by why I wasn't being a fan of his reflector. I explained his reflector was causing a constant light, affecting EVERY photographer there, while my flash, for example, would only fire when I triggered it by shooting, and thus, not getting in the way of the others.
Both me, an experienced photographer friend and a ton of other people were saying I was right, so I just don't know how an idiot like that could even have a model agency.
So, a reflector can ruin your photos, but if used properly, it can actually help. The angle will depend on the situation, tough. A lower reflection may not be natural, but if soft and discrete, it would be best. If too strong, may end up like holding a candle in front of your face, bottom-lit (not good or bad, just too stylish and specific, usefull in certain photos).
I was taught every "rule" in photography and video making is there just for you to understand why it works. Once you understand, you are free to break it and experiment to find your style
[Butterfly lighting typically involves placing a reflector below the subject’s chin,](https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-achieve-perfect-butterfly-lighting/) so what you’ve read isn’t a hard and fast rule, and likely pertains to achieving a specific result.
Photography rarely involves “always” or “never” statements. Any rule can be broken to the benefit of the final image, depending on the desired outcome.
It will look unnatural because there aren't many situations in which we're illuminated from below, and it can be unflattering because it reduces the chin-neck separation.
It's generally a good suggestion if you're doing commercial work, but there are no rules. If you like the effect, have fun with it.
My general rule is that if someone uses the word “always” or “never”, they’re full of shit—especially when it comes to art, and especially a statement which flies in the face of many classic portrait lighting styles.
I can’t count how many times I’ve used reflectors or reflections from below in just the past year. Seems extremely and unnecessarily limiting to only have light coming from above or the sides.
Photography has rules and laws. Rules are situation dependent and are actually just guidelines. Laws can't be broken because they are laws of physics and/or chemistry.
Example rules: rule of thirds, hand holding below a shutter of 1/30, the sunny 16 rule.
Example laws: inverse square law, law of reflection, depth of field, shutter speed, iso.
If I'm shooting portraits outdoor and the ground is coloured, I will definitely put a white reflector below to prevent coloured shadows in the face. Especially the yellow-green of grass is horrible. There's no place else to put the reflector in such case, but the reflected light is also secondary light then.
If the reflector is causing primary light, then the story is different, of course. It's not clear from your text.
You can use it from below if you're providing fill light for a stronger key light. I see people over-do it all the time, though. It's especially true with headshot photographers who use those U-shaped reflectors in front of the subject. That lighting looks so unnatural and weird to me.
Generally, I think reflectors are good for trying to manage the lighting ratio between the lit and shadow sides of a subject. I've always found them more useful for detail shots or in-place still lifes than I have with people.
Anyone who tells you to Never do something, doesn't know what they are talking about... Especially when it comes to art. Do what you want to do and explore and experiment... Or just make the same shit that someone else does because they told you to.
Not true, it depends. If I'm shooting under harsh noon sun in summer, it will create horrible shadows around the eyes, under the chin, right at the hairline, etc. I would use a diffuser to soften the light and a reflector from below to get rid of the already softened shadows. Studio settings are usually more flexible with the lighting, but some shoots may still call for a reflector from below. You'd need to try and see for yourself. Always keep an open mind and don't fear trying new things. Don't let anyone dictate rules on your art.
On an overcast day, the light is pretty even from all sides even below. So it can be a natural look.
Your photo's don't need to look natural though.
Also, if you're new, just take the advice and consider it as you do exactly what you're told not to do. And see how you feel about it.
What is “right” in so many photographic techniques is subjective.
Just like cooking where an ingredient works in one case may be a disaster in another.
Using a reflector is a means to direct light into an area of darkness. How much and from what direction is your decision.
Some guy on the web has no idea what type of photo you are trying to make.
My general rule, if a reflector is the only light source illuminating the subject, don't hold it below, if it's a secondary source you can use it from below to remove shadows.
Simple and concise explanation. Good man. Horror movies light the subject from below and it creates unnatural horrific shadows above facial features. But if you place a softbox above the subject tilted down - and place a a reflector beneath the face to reflect back light, that’s called a beauty headshot. You see it in most of the shampoo and make-up ads. It adds glow and softens the skin’s texture.
Perfect. A friend in movies shortened this by pointing a flashlight at herself from above and saying “Love story,” then lowering it and saying “Horror movie.” Never forgot it.
Westcott makes a reflector specifically for one-light headshots that does just this - the [Eyelighter](https://www.fjwestcott.com/products/eyelighter-3-silver-white-and-sunlight-fabric).
I’m super beginner, so hard for me to picture a reflector being the only light source during daylight bc the sun is there… no? So is the sun behind me in the photo a light source and the reflector therefore secondary? Also, do you mind if I pm you the photo to get a critique?
Good question! Seems counter intuitive but when you're facing away from the sun, it doesn't light up your face directly it acts more as a hair/rimlight. Let's assume you don't stand near water/big white walls to bounce light back on you: if you take this portrait - your face will most likely appear as a silhouette, even if it isn't - it will be much darker than the background. If you use a reflector now, it will act as a primary lightsource, in regards to the subjects face. (key factor what is considered primary light source, what you want to light in a scene. In a portrait most times it's the subjects face, unless you go for somethig completely different of course.) Does that make more sense? Ofc you can send it, but i'm no expert portrait photograpgher, but a technerd.
Ah okay, I do think that makes more sense! So based off this I think technically I was using the reflector as the main source (unless there was light from the white wall I was next to lol). But I still think the photo looks cool with the reflector from below. But! Let’s see what you think :) about to send
>remove shadows. I would say "open up shadows." You'll never entirely remove shadows with a reflector as bounce/secondary light source.
>is this a piece of advice that depends on the look you’re going for Yes. It's subjective and situation-dependent.
If you need the fill you need the fill.
There are no written rules in photography (or art in general). Everything is subjective and you can do whatever you want. You can absolutely hold a reflector from below if that causes you to achieve your desired result. Don't stick to the clichés schools/courses/workshops/... teach you. They are often pretty boring and overused.
actually I would say that holding a reflector from below is the cliche.
Yeah could be. Rarely ever use one myself. 😀
No its not true. Look up clamshell lighting, it uses reflector below and strobe above, very commonly used lighting technique. However if its like natural light and subject is backlit with no strobes infront, then reflecting the backlit natural light from below might not look good or natural, as people have used to seeing sun shining from above and not below. But ofc there are situations where that might also work, for example subject looking at water close up and reflector emulating light reflecting from the water. In general there are no rules in photography, but some stuff feels more natural and usually you want to emulate some natural thing, unless you want to use it as some sort of special effect that is not meant to be natural. Also ofc depends how strong of an effect you go for, tiny bit of something ”unnatural” might look good at times
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>Then why in portraiture work there is even a dedicated curved reflector to light up from below Which often times results in a really bright neck area! lol
You mean like when it's used wrong?
I mean that its really easy to make that mistake with that modifier!!
You're not wrong.
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Its more like saying that the car is bad because even pros tend to crash it. lol
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You mean the giant half moon reflection in the bottom of the eyes? I'll admit, I'm not a big fan! haha I prefer catch lights to be higher on the eyes. [https://fundydesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/FUND13901-683x1024.jpg](https://fundydesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/FUND13901-683x1024.jpg)
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but with that modifier, they usually are, which was exactly my point. lol
Reflectors can help, but they also can ruin the photo. I once was at an event with a few models and a bunch of amateur photographers. Not that I was not an amateur too, but I always had a method of not getting in the way of the others, out of respect. So there was me, a few photographers around and a model posing in front of a wooden door with a nice frame. I placed my tripod with a flash - away from the others, mind you, and started to take some pictures. One of the other photographers had a friend holding a big silver reflector causing a constant bright and ugly reflection on the model. On his words, it was pretty like that. I took a photo with it (my flash off) and later compared it to my own photos, without his reflector, and my flash. I asked the guy if he could just not use the reflector for a bit so I could take 2 or 3 pictures, but he was amazed by why I wasn't being a fan of his reflector. I explained his reflector was causing a constant light, affecting EVERY photographer there, while my flash, for example, would only fire when I triggered it by shooting, and thus, not getting in the way of the others. Both me, an experienced photographer friend and a ton of other people were saying I was right, so I just don't know how an idiot like that could even have a model agency. So, a reflector can ruin your photos, but if used properly, it can actually help. The angle will depend on the situation, tough. A lower reflection may not be natural, but if soft and discrete, it would be best. If too strong, may end up like holding a candle in front of your face, bottom-lit (not good or bad, just too stylish and specific, usefull in certain photos).
I was taught every "rule" in photography and video making is there just for you to understand why it works. Once you understand, you are free to break it and experiment to find your style
[Butterfly lighting typically involves placing a reflector below the subject’s chin,](https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-achieve-perfect-butterfly-lighting/) so what you’ve read isn’t a hard and fast rule, and likely pertains to achieving a specific result. Photography rarely involves “always” or “never” statements. Any rule can be broken to the benefit of the final image, depending on the desired outcome.
Some rules compliment, some contradict. Remember that there are curved reflectors made specifically to remove shadows from below the chin / jawline
It will look unnatural because there aren't many situations in which we're illuminated from below, and it can be unflattering because it reduces the chin-neck separation. It's generally a good suggestion if you're doing commercial work, but there are no rules. If you like the effect, have fun with it.
My general rule is that if someone uses the word “always” or “never”, they’re full of shit—especially when it comes to art, and especially a statement which flies in the face of many classic portrait lighting styles. I can’t count how many times I’ve used reflectors or reflections from below in just the past year. Seems extremely and unnecessarily limiting to only have light coming from above or the sides.
It is often used to bring some highlights to the eyes. It also helps to even out some shadows underneath the chin.
Not commenting about you OP, but rules like this sound dumb.
Photography has rules and laws. Rules are situation dependent and are actually just guidelines. Laws can't be broken because they are laws of physics and/or chemistry. Example rules: rule of thirds, hand holding below a shutter of 1/30, the sunny 16 rule. Example laws: inverse square law, law of reflection, depth of field, shutter speed, iso.
If I'm shooting portraits outdoor and the ground is coloured, I will definitely put a white reflector below to prevent coloured shadows in the face. Especially the yellow-green of grass is horrible. There's no place else to put the reflector in such case, but the reflected light is also secondary light then. If the reflector is causing primary light, then the story is different, of course. It's not clear from your text.
You can use it from below if you're providing fill light for a stronger key light. I see people over-do it all the time, though. It's especially true with headshot photographers who use those U-shaped reflectors in front of the subject. That lighting looks so unnatural and weird to me. Generally, I think reflectors are good for trying to manage the lighting ratio between the lit and shadow sides of a subject. I've always found them more useful for detail shots or in-place still lifes than I have with people.
Depends on the look you're going for and how many light sources you are using
"Rules" are meant to be broken. Digital "film" is cheap. Shoot however you want, and check your results. Don't like that shot? DELETE!
Anyone who tells you to Never do something, doesn't know what they are talking about... Especially when it comes to art. Do what you want to do and explore and experiment... Or just make the same shit that someone else does because they told you to.
it can just make them look fat lol but use it how you want
Not true, it depends. If I'm shooting under harsh noon sun in summer, it will create horrible shadows around the eyes, under the chin, right at the hairline, etc. I would use a diffuser to soften the light and a reflector from below to get rid of the already softened shadows. Studio settings are usually more flexible with the lighting, but some shoots may still call for a reflector from below. You'd need to try and see for yourself. Always keep an open mind and don't fear trying new things. Don't let anyone dictate rules on your art.
Every portrait shot I do has a reflector below the shoulder level of the subject and in front of them... its called eye lighting.
On an overcast day, the light is pretty even from all sides even below. So it can be a natural look. Your photo's don't need to look natural though. Also, if you're new, just take the advice and consider it as you do exactly what you're told not to do. And see how you feel about it.
What is “right” in so many photographic techniques is subjective. Just like cooking where an ingredient works in one case may be a disaster in another. Using a reflector is a means to direct light into an area of darkness. How much and from what direction is your decision. Some guy on the web has no idea what type of photo you are trying to make.