I remember when I first started in photography, I would look at photos and wonder, “How did they get such glowy skin?” The answer kind of shocked me because it was so simple – a reflector. Photography is all about light, after all.
It’s a rare day that I don’t shoot with a reflector. Reflectors are my go-to for getting a beautiful catch light in the eyes and for glowy skin. I’ve used everything from a white pillow case to a piece of white styrofoam to a silver reflector made for photography.
On gray overcast days, a reflector will keep your clients from having “racoon” eyes and dull skin. It adds a touch of light that looks amazing! On these overcast days, or on a dark day in my studio, I typically use a silver reflector. On brighter days, I use white.
During full sun, I will sometimes forgo a reflector if it’s too bright and making my client squint.
In the photo below, I used a silver reflector.
Sidenote, I only have an assistant on maybe half of the photoshoots I do. When I don’t have someone with me to hold it, I just balance it on something or put it on the ground right in front of them.
During the shoot below, it was a brighter day, so I used the white side of the reflector. You can see that her skin has a nice glow to it and there is a great catchlight in her eyes. I can’t tell you what a difference this makes!
Side note, both of these photoshoots are featured in my Outdoor & On-Location course if you want to watch them in more detail.
I hope this reflector tip helps you make beautiful portraits with glowy skin!
If you love seeing tips like these, be sure to join my free Facebook Group, Nikki Closser (Group for Photographers). Introduce yourself and let me know what photography questions you’d love to have me answer here on the blog!
