White reflector: The light reflected by a white reflector is not particularly intense, resulting in a soft and natural effect.
Silver reflector: Because the surface is bright and mirror-like, a silver reflector produces more intense light. In low-light conditions, a white reflector lacks this level of effectiveness.
Gold reflector: Gold reflectors are used for fill light in daylight conditions. Like silver reflectors, they reflect light in a mirror-like fashion, but unlike the cool tones of silver reflectors, they produce warmer light. You can use a silver reflector for fill light and a gold reflector for the main light.
Black reflector: This type of reflector is unique because, technically speaking, it is not a reflector at all, but a "subtractive" panel. Other reflectors operate on an additive principle, aiming to increase the amount of light on the subject. A black reflector, however, uses a subtractive method to reduce the amount of light.
Why use a black reflector? For various reasons, we are often forced to shoot in unflattering overhead lighting. Such lighting can create "raccoon eyes" on a subject's face. Placing a black reflector above the subject's head helps reduce this overhead light. The light then effectively comes from beneath the black reflector-mimicking the effect of being under a large tree or a porch-allowing you to direct the light. By using a second black reflector on the opposite side, you can create a "funnel" of light focused on the subject. When there is a window on the other side of the room, the lighting can become flat; black reflectors are useful in this scenario as well. If you want to eliminate competing light sources, a black reflector is an excellent choice.
Diffusion panel: Positioned between the light source and the subject (whether an object or a person), this panel filters and attenuates the light, softening it and reducing contrast.
