reflector and light colored eyes

Robin Usagani · Jun 13, 2011

I always have a hard time using a reflector on someone especially when they have light colored eyes. If I use only the white surface, it doesnt seem to be bright enough to shoot againts the sun. But if I use the reflective side it blinds them. What is the trick? If I use a diffuser I can only do close ups.

iolair · Jun 13, 2011

You're shooting with the sun behind them, and using the reflector to light their face?
Could you post a sample photo done with the white-side? Also, how are you positioning the reflector?

Ryan L · Jun 13, 2011

Good question, I blind people often with that darn shiny cover! lol

DisasterDan · Jun 13, 2011

Im at the same exact spot.

Robin Usagani · Jun 13, 2011

The reflector is either camera left or right. I put the sun behind the subject. I just love the rim light around my subject. Then I just use the reflector to bounce the light to their face and the person's eyes usually get watery from the reflector because it is so bright.

Aye-non Oh-non Imus · Jun 13, 2011

Learn how to feather your light, just as with any other light modifier. Position the reflector so that it will reflect the light more towards the camera, yet still pass in front of and light your subject.

Robin Usagani · Jun 13, 2011

I am not sure I understand what you are saying.

Aye-non Oh-non Imus said:
Learn how to feather your light, just as with any other light modifier. Position the reflector so that it will reflect the light more towards the camera, yet still pass in front of and light your subject.

Aayria · Jun 13, 2011

Hey Schwetty! =)

I agree with feathering the light.. Picture it like this (here's your chance to LOL at my sad internet diagram...)

X

............/ R

Y

X is your sujbect, Y is you.. R is the reflector. It's angled so that the light will pass by them but not right on them or into their eyes completely. The diagram isn't perfect, but basically you want a 45 degree angle, and a bit to the front/side so the edge of the light sweeps across them, instead of the center of the light source. Does that make sense?