Side Lighting with Reflector

Using a reflector with side lighting softens shadows. This post shows you how to use a reflector with side lighting. It also shows you what type of reflectors can be used.

03. Side Lighting with Reflector softens shadows

Using a reflector with side lighting, softens the harsh shadow on the dark side of the subject.

This image is an example of side lighting using a reflector. The reflector softly illuminates the side of the face.
Side Lighting with Reflector

How to use a reflector in photography

If you want to soften the dark shadows, place the light on one side of the subject and a reflector on the other side. The reflector will lighten the darkness. The light will be very bright on one side of face and cast soft shadow on the other.

This image is an example of side lighting with reflector. It has a diagram and light placement.
Side lighting with reflector/diagram and light placement
This image an example of side lighting with reflector. It shows placement of the reflector and light placement
Side lighting with reflector

You can use any thing that will reflect light. Foil, a car sun screen, or a professional reflector. They all produce the same effect.

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Author: AJoyfulPhotographer

Photography is not just a hobby it is a passion. It is creativity. It is fine art.

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