Reflectorequipment
A cheap collapsible disc that bounces existing light back into the shadows — fill without a second flash.
Hold a white or silver reflector opposite your light to bounce some of it into the shadow side of the subject, evening out contrast. White is subtle, silver punchier, gold warms the tone. It's the cheapest, most portable way to improve outdoor and window-light portraits, often with an assistant or a stand.
Use this when
- Backlit / window portraits: bounce light into the shadow side
Common mistake: Bouncing harsh silver straight up into the subject's eyes, causing a squint.