The 5-in-1 reflector
The 5-in-1 reflector is the most versatile and popular reflector on the market. This is because it gives you five different ways to use it and it has a built-in diffuser. It’s perfect for beginners! The 5-in-1 reflector is a great tool for indoor and outdoor photography, as well as portraits and landscapes.
Get the right size reflector for your needs
There are three common sizes of reflectors: small, medium and large. The small versions come in 5-inch round or 8-inch square; the mediums are 10-inches round or 12-inches square; while the large size comes in 12-inches round or 16-inch square. The small version is good for portraits while the larger ones work well with scenes that cover more area. You should also consider what type of light you’re using before choosing which size to get. If you’re using flash or studio lights without modifiers, then a larger reflector will allow you to bounce more light into the scene whereas if you’re using on-camera flash or natural light then a smaller reflector will be easier to hold up and manipulate around your subject.
Some tips on how to use your 5-in-1 reflector
Basic setup: The basic setup consists of a white inner liner, an outer gold reflector, an inner silver/white reflector, and an outer black velvet diffuser. This method produces even lighting that works well for portraits or general photos of people or objects.
To create this effect: Set up your reflectors so that they are facing each other at about 90 degrees from each other (diagonal). The white liner should be closest to your subject, followed by the outer gold reflector, inner silver/white reflector, and then finally the outer black velvet diffuser.
If you want more directional light coming down from above: Move the inner silver/white reflector closer to your subject so that it is in front of the white liner instead of behind it (diagonal).
Use the white side when there isn’t much sun and you want more light on your subject. The white side is ideal for bright days when there’s not enough sunlight or when you want to add more light to your subject.
Use the silver side when there’s too much sun and you want less light on your subject. The silver side will help you cut down on excess light, especially in harsh sunlight conditions where shadows are too dark and contrasty. This side is also great for portraits because it will make colors pop in photos!
Use the black side when there’s too much sun and you’re trying to block out unwanted light from behind or above your subject (like trees). This doesn’t absorb any light at all so it’s ideal when there’s too much sunlight coming into your shot and causing flare around the edges of your subject.