Amazingly, I know a lot about photography because of the photographers I work with + personal development. I also take great photos but ironically, I can’t take my own photos myself. I am gutted by that actually.
One of my goals as a fashion blogger is to be able to take my own photos myself. I have a solid camera and a tripod; these are the two things anyone needs to take photos I believe. I am hopeful to dedicate time to that real soon. If you have any TIPS on taking photos yourself, please share them with me below.
I did a photo section with Christian about 2 years ago and he used what he called a reflector on the day. It is a thin foil like or aluminium kind of mirror. It reflects light to any object / thing or body where it is pointed at or focused on. It also softens hard light on any object or person.
I have one of those in white myself but I hardly use it because my filming setting is good. I have found a perfect spot in our home where I film my YouTube videos.
The reflector lights up any object (thing) or body (person) where it is focused on. If it is positioned by your hair, it lights up or brightens up your hair. For example of my legs below,…..
In that picture, although I moisturised very well, you will notice that my legs has a shine that is almost golden. It was the effect of the reflector. The reflector lightens up and makes an object it is focused on shine.
The Good of the Reflector
1, It lights up your picture.
2, It makes the object of focus shine.
3, It is light, easy to carry around (it is almost like a paper so you can fold it)
4, It comes in gold, silver, black, white and many other colours.
The Bad of the Reflector
1, It is possible to make you squint in photos. The reflection of the light can be over powering. See for example the image below, you will notice that I had a big squint on my forehead. It is the effect of the reflector.
2, If used wrongly, it can emphasise spots, acne and things you really don’t want to focus on.
However, you will notice that my face, hair and blouse was lit up. I love the reflection it gave my skin on this image.
Difference between a picture taken with & without the Reflector
Without the reflector
Picture is not as bright but okay. You will notice that there is also no shine on my skin or clothes.
Picture taken with the reflector
How to Use a Reflector Effectively
One of the best photography tips I have learnt is to take pictures in the golden hour. Golden hour is when the sun sets and when the sun rises. To get the effect of golden hour without golden hour, use a reflector………
1, To use a reflector, ensure you start by practising first:
It can make images or pictures too golden. One of the TIPS Christian shared with me on the day is to use the silver side of the reflector because it is not as harsh.
The golden side can be too golden on a cool skin tone. On my skin tone, it was fins because I have a warm skin tone.
Also you have to play around with it first to see how it bounces light to your subject (thing or person). Most importantly, avoid reflecting direct sunlight on your subject; this can be too hot especially it is is on your skin.
2, There are different sizes
If you are using a reflector to take your photos, start out with a smaller size or version. Although reflectors are light, they can be a pain to use on a windy day because they blow around like feather or leaves.
3, Your Subject can hold it for you
Because reflectors are light weight, the person you are photographing can hold or carry it for you if you are shooting just the face or shooting at a very close range.
Using a reflector is a good way to light up and soften the light reflection on your images or photos. I enjoyed the effect it had on my skin when we used it.
I hope you found the post helpful. Please let me know below if you have used a reflector before and if you have any other tips on the reflectors, please share them with me.
Thank you so much for stopping by today. I am always happy to see you stop by. Sending you love and light.
Much Love, Mojisola.
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8 comments
I need to get a reflector. Thanks for the handy tips xo
Thank you for reading Stella.
XO
Great post Moj. Love this looks. I guess I missed the blogs. Been checking to get details on old blogs☺☺ Addicted to your style.
Thank you Chi. I love sharing the looks with you. Do take care of you.
XO
I have a reflector but haven’t broken it out – wrangling a cat and a dog is enough trouble without adding something else. Maybe when Schooner calms down!
I totally get you Sarah. Honestly, those 2 have the “best mummy” in you. Thank you for reading
XO
Great tip Moji. I’m still trying to wrap my head around using my camera. Lol! I will definitely add the reflector to my wish list. My hope is to be able to take mt own pictures one day aw well. Until then, Inhave temporarily tasked mt husband with that duty and managing whatever shots we het for now. I have enrolles in sone classes too in order to sharpen my photography skills and knowledge.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Sade, I know right, it is such a challenge to be able to take your own photos but I am glad the hubby is able to take your photos. I am thankful for Claire, my photographer. She’s been busy all summer so I have had to reuse and recycle photos but thank GOd for everything.
Yes, the reflectors are great if you can get them. DO take care mama. GOd bless
X