Demystifying The Circular Reflector Kit

Good lighting is the most crucial factor for photography and to achieve this, you not only need to add light to the situation but also use some modifiers such as reflectors in order to appropriately modify it. Reflectors play a great role in filling up the light deficiencies such as a shadowed or a low lit portion on your foreground or the background. They are not external light sources, as they don’t give away any light. Reflectors are simply light modifiers, as they modify the existing light. Reflectors come in many shapes and sizes but the most popular among them is the circular reflector kit.

The major function of this reflector kit is to bounce back the light coming from the studio lighting equipments or any other source and direct it towards the area than need to be illuminated. Apart from bouncing the light, reflectors can also change the tone of the light in order to give a dramatic look to your picture. The color of the reflector panel will decide the kind of effects you will get. Here are the functions of various panels that are found in any standard circular reflector kit. 

 

The white panel

This is the most frequently used panel that helps in diffusing the light coming from a source and converting it into a soft, clear light for illuminating the subject. This reflector panel is mostly used with flash, as direct flashlight will be too harsh on the subject. It is also used for natural light photography where you need to diffuse sunlight. It has to be placed very close to the subject’s face so that there is no loss of light. The white reflector is not useful for low light conditions. 

 

Gold reflector

This panel reflects a strong warm light on the subject and gives her a radio-active looking face with a noticeable golden glow. It is not very useful for general use; however, finds a great place in fashion photography and for clicking artistic images. 

 

Black panel

This is not a reflector; rather its functions are totally opposite to what reflectors do. The black panel of the circular reflector kit actually absorbs the light and reduces its intensity. This is especially useful when you deliberately want a shadow or low lit area on your subject. It is mostly used for shooting artistic images. 

 

The silver panel

They are a boon for low light situations where you need to increase the intensity of light in order to effectively illuminate your subject. This panel is also useful for overcoming the shadows that might be there in your foreground as well as background. This is also one of the most frequently used reflectors.

Translucent panel

This is basically a diffuser that is help in front of the studio lightingequipments in order to diffuse the light coming from them in order to neutralize its harshness and illuminating your subject with a soft, even light. It is also frequently used for natural light photography.

Circular reflector kits are convenient options as compared to carrying multiple reflector panels. If you still don’t have this useful tool in your photography bag, grab one and see how much difference it can make in you work.

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