If you usually go to the blog, you know that we don’t support quality equipment much and that we don’t recommend the most expensive cameras. We believe that the camera does not make the photographer, you will have read several times in the various articles In fact, we think so. It’s not because you have a better camera or a better team that you’ll be a better photographer. Obviously, if you’re professionally involved in photography, this aspect is something more important, although it certainly won’t be.
Now, having great equipment and all the accessories in the world won’t make you a better photographer doesn’t mean that using certain gadgets doesn’t help, and I’m not talking about the most expensive ones. on certain terms, or we limit ourselves to our camera because we can’t make big investments, or we’re so excited about our first camera that we stay there and don’t take another step. Did that happen to you?
- What you need to know.
- Whether you have landed in this world or been there for some time.
- Is the importance of light in photography.
- Lighting control is crucial to getting a good photo.
- That doesn’t mean that you have to have a large lighting studio.
- In fact.
- To think that it is something that slows us down when it comes to taking small steps when it comes to expanding equipment in terms of lighting fixtures.
- Sometimes it’s just about having the key accessories.
- The ones that can take you out of a hurry and that also have an almost derisory cost.
Today I will tell you specifically about two of them, reflectors and diffusers, what they are, what they are for and where to find them, will knowing them mark a before and after in your photograph?And I’m not telling you anything about portrait photography?
Some people think that reflectors are something for professionals or photography enthusiasts, nothing further from reality. They are very discreet, yes, and there is no professional worthy of that name who does not use them Does this mean that an amateur or beginner should not aspire to them?Not at all, its use is very simple, its cost is very affordable and the results are immediate. May I introduce you?” Hello, here reader, here reflector?” Hehe, am I kidding you?
What is a reflector?
A reflector, as you can imagine, is any object that helps you reflect light and fill in shadows. It serves to achieve a balance between light and darkness and works as a second light when there is none. And when I say “any object” it is because although there are reflectors specially designed for this, if you do not have them at hand you can use any other material that reflects light such as improvisation, for example, a white cardboard, a white wall or even a tetrabrik can serve as a silver reflector for small patterns.
Reflector 5 in 1
The best known is the 5-in-1 reflector, which consists of a flexible ring with different surfaces to attach:
To give you an idea of the effect of the different reflectors, here is a very explanatory diagram:
Take a look at this video to see how the reflector works (don’t you need to hear it?).
I mean the discs, because the best known or most seen are the round-shaped ones, although you can also find them rectangular and triangular in shape. There are also different sizes, smaller and larger according to the needs of Los you can find on Amazon from 19 euros for those 60 cm in diameter or 18 euros for those of 110 cm, a very small investment for what it offers, don’t you think?
Other types of reflectors
1. Circular reflector. Small circular reflector for when light comes from behind the subject, has a white and silver surface and folds.
2. Reflector panel. For more advanced users or professional use. They are reversible panels with a support that rotates 360 degrees for horizontal and vertical use. And we have already talked about other prices, they are around 90 euros (I already noticed that it was for more advanced or professional users?)
3. Umbrella reflector. Umbrellas are used to blur the light and also to reflect it, like this one that costs about 17 euros and is silver and black.
4. For advanced. Especially if you are a lover of portraits and want to go further, you need to know the beauty dish, ideal to highlight the beauty of your models.
disadvantages
Unless you have a support to place the reflector, it is very likely that you need a charitable soul to help you.
Things
Unlike the reflectors I have just presented, a diffuser will allow you to blur the light, or what is the same, soften it, in this article I explained the difference between hard light and diffuse light, in case you were not very clear what I am talking about when I say soft or diffuse light. And if you run out of time I’ll put a picture on you, in the blink of an eye you’ll see the difference.
The difference between the two, (besides the hat and clothes?) In the image above, a white silk paper was placed over the glass to diffuse sunlight that fell directly onto the window. Well, it’s a station. In this case, a simple piece of paper tisú. There is also the 5-in-1 diffuser that presented you earlier with reflectors and other professional diffusers, such as umbrellas or others for the flash that we will see now. , you can make your own diffusers with translucent material and support (if you want to avoid looking for helper?) depending on your needs.
Flash diffusers
There are different types of diffusers to use with portable flash for more natural results. The flash light is usually quite strong and can give aggressive results (I’m not even talking about the built-in flash because we never recommend it, but if you use it, put at least something like that?)
Oh!!! And you haven’t thought about buying one yet?Here’s an excellent guide to help you with such a difficult task; Q These are the different types:
Tab type: it is usually integrated into any pocket flash and, unless you need all the power of the flash because it is at a considerable distance from the subject, it is better to use it if you are not going to use another one or bounce the light The result will be smoother and more natural.
2. Window diffuser. It has light effect but small windows. It’s not worth 3 euros on Amazon. You also have them in a larger studio size, like this one.
3. Box type transmitter. It’s a small plastic box that fits in the flash. How do you see that investment is not overly important?And to make portraits with flash will be fundamental.
Strobe-type transmitter. For short distances. It is a mini umbrella, a little larger than the others but its larger surface makes it more suitable for closer shots. Unlike the window, which emits light only from the front, the umbrella, due to its shape, lets light escape in all directions.
5. Double diffuser. This diffuser has two sides, one white for a softer light and one silver for a greater range And it costs less than two euros!
6. Folding diffuser. For product photography or more creative shots
If you think these “gadgets” are expensive, you can’t miss the article where my partner Iaio explains how you can make them for very little money.
In closing, I would like to give you the last piece of advice. These complements will be of no use to you if you don’t use them, let me explain, although today you stick with the theory, if you don’t put it into practice you will soon forget about it. do a test (even at home with free hand, a piece of aluminum foil or white tissue paper) and check the effects, this element will evaporate in your brain between so much information that you receive daily, and you and I will have lost the time . We don’t want that, do we? Well, come on, practice !!!
And if it helped you, share it on Facebook, Twitter or Google so others can benefit from this information?Thank you very much and see you next time!