What Is a Photography Reflector, and How Do You Use One?
A reflector is simply a surface used to bounce existing light back onto a subject, filling in shadows without adding a whole new light source.
How it works
Positioned opposite your main light source, a reflector catches some of that light and bounces a softer version of it back onto the subject's shadowed side, evening out the overall lighting.
Common surfaces
White surfaces give a neutral, soft fill; silver surfaces bounce a brighter, slightly harder fill; gold surfaces add warmth — professional reflectors often have all three options on different sides of the same panel.
Household substitutes
White foam board, a large piece of white poster board, or even a light-colored bedsheet held taut can all function as an improvised reflector in a pinch.
Does a reflector work for backlit, rim-light photos too?
Yes — it's especially useful there, since backlighting alone often leaves the face too dark; a reflector bouncing some fill light back onto the face lets the rim-light glow stay strong while keeping facial detail visible.
