Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Quick Photography Tip: DIY Reflector

Since good photos are such an important aspect of selling products online, I wanted to share a quick tip I sometimes use for my product photography. If you've ever seen a photographer shooting on locations, he/she is most likely carrying around a huge reflector disc with them. Reflectors are used to put fill light on to your subject. This helps create less harshness in the shadows. They are also helpful in low light situations. This tutorial takes about a minute and can make a huge difference in your product photography.

What you'll need:
Foil
Tape
Cardboard

Now how do you use it? You want to point your reflector towards the main light source to direct that light back at the product. Keep your eyes on your product as you move the reflector around to find the right angle. You should be able to see the changes in your product when the reflected light hits it. When I find the right position for my reflector I prop it up (I used a candle!) and start to shoot.
What do you think? Can you see the difference?

18 comments:

  1. This is so simple - must try it....

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  2. awesome! thanks for the tip!! xx

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  3. thank you!!
    what a great idea!
    totally gonna use this!

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  4. Ah brilliant I try to use a desk lamp to fill in the light but this might just do the trick a little better :D

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  5. OH it's such a subtle differences but I love it! Thanks for the tip girl :)

    http://www.lyzhang.com

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  7. This is awesome! I will definitely try this! Thank you! xxx

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  8. Loved this idea and I am going to try! Thank you for sharing!

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  9. great tutorial! thanks :)

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  10. Great idea! I am going to give it a try next time I take photos!

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  11. great trick I must try it!

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  12. Hey.. thats a great idea for sharing but cardboard painted with white acrylic or poster board is actually better. The poster board has a slight sheen on it and is less harsh that silver paper. ^_^ A trick i learnt in my degree so many years ago

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  13. oops than* tin foil.

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  14. Amazing, going to try it :) xx

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  15. OMG you are a genius--that is fantastic! Thank you!!!

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  16. Great tip and easy quick fix...thanks!

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  17. Love this! I need all the help I can get living in the PacNW.

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  18. This is GREAT! Thanks so much for sharing such a great solution to lighting problems!

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Thanks for the comment! I read them all and reply when I can. Please be sure your blogger account is linked to your e-mail so I can do so! (Tutorial on how to do that here: http://tinyurl.com/c6gh9fk) xo JA