Damned Good Photography (on a budget)

OK, you want to do some killer photography and have a friend that has said “yes” to being a model for your shoot. Perfect. But using your camera’s built in flash is not going to help you take a good set of photos. What do you do?

The answer is easy: get a reflector.

This photo was taken with just a single Reflector. Given, it’s a very large reflector at 4′ x 6′ – but it was just one. For interior shoots, you can bounce the light from a window onto the subject. For exteriors, you can use a series of reflectors for your key, fill, or rim lighting (depending on how you’re using the Sun).

I’d highly suggest going with a heavy duty Photography Reflector, since they last and are heavy. But, there’s a few other options for those finding their pockets a little empty this week…

Option #1.
Go to your local Mega Store (WalMart, K-Mart, Target, etc) that has an auto department. Find a windshield reflector for your car’s dash and get one of those (often they come in a set of two). They work wonders and I always keep two in my reflector kit, just in case of an emergency. They often aren’t very big (about 3′ x 3′), but you can clip them together to make a larger one. Be careful, they’re cheap and flimsy and won’t last very long. A few days of use and they’ll probably get torn. They are also lightweight and the slightest gust of wind will move them quickly – you may even go chasing one across a field or parking lot. All reflectors have issues with wind, but these lightweight guys really scoot!

Option #2.
Get some cardboard (the larger the better) and some shiny silver spray paint. Paint at least one side of the cardboard and there you go – instant reflector. You can get a can of shiny gold spray paint for the other side and you can use the gold to get a different look when needed.

Option #3.
Cardboard and aluminum foil. It’s probably the cheesiest of the 3 options – since you can scrape that foil on something and tear a hole it in rather easily. But you most likely already have the aluminum foil in your house and your local 7-11 probably has a big, cardboard box (be sure to ask the store manager, so they don’t call the cops!).

You can use reflectors effectively just about anywhere, as long as you have a light source to power them. Luckily, the Sun is one big light source. Two other free mega light sources that may help you and your reflector:
#1 in the evenings (in most towns and cities), you’ll find the big street lights.
#2 Your car headlights.

Good luck!

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