Four types of reflectors are commonly used: White, silver, gold, and black. While diffusion panels or "scrims" are occasionally employed, reflectors remain a staple throughout the shooting process. Below is a brief overview of when to use each type.
White Reflector
White reflectors produce a very subtle quality of light. Because their reflectivity is relatively low, the resulting effect is soft and natural. They are ideal for adding a touch of fill light to shadow areas-such as when working with window light-to reveal more detail in the shadows.
Silver Reflector
Silver reflectors are bright and possess a mirror-like, smooth surface, allowing them to generate more intense light. They are the most commonly used type of reflector. Their effect is easily visible as a large, bright catchlight in the subject's eyes. They are particularly useful on overcast days or when the primary light source is overhead; by positioning the reflector just below the subject's face (and out of the camera's frame), the overhead light is bounced back onto the subject. Under overcast conditions, a white reflector would not be powerful enough to achieve this effect.
Gold Reflector
Gold reflectors are used for fill light in daylight conditions. Like silver reflectors, they reflect light with a mirror-like quality, but-in contrast to the cool tones of silver-they produce a warmer light. Gold reflectors are frequently used as a main light source, particularly when shooting backlit portraits in bright sunlight; the light is bounced onto the subject's face from the side and a slightly elevated angle.
Using this type of reflector serves two purposes:
First, it provides directional light on the subject's face and increases the exposure on the face by one stop.
Second, it reduces the exposure contrast between the background and the foreground, preventing the background from becoming severely overexposed.
Black Reflector
This type of reflector is unique because, technically speaking, it is not a reflector at all; rather, it acts as a "subtractive" or "light-absorbing" panel. In contrast, other reflectors operate on an additive principle, designed to increase the amount of light falling on the scene. Using a black reflector employs a subtractive lighting technique to reduce the amount of light. Why use a black reflector? For various reasons, photographers are often forced to shoot in unflattering overhead lighting. Such lighting frequently creates "raccoon eyes" on the subject's face. Placing a black reflector above the subject helps cut down this overhead light.
Diffusion Panel
A diffusion panel acts as a barrier between the light source (sunlight or artificial light) and the subject, softening the light and reducing contrast. It is useful when the light is harsh and you do not wish to change your shooting angle-which might compromise the background-or when you want to soften the light to minimize shadows cast by the subject.
