How to use a 5 in 1 reflector for better natural light photography

[@WestcottLighting]

Great work Sal, thank you for sharing!

[@JulieKatt]

This is very helpful with the comparison shots. I am used to being on the other side of the camera as a model, and now in my midlife years I'm creating videos for the first time and don't understand enough about all the extra lighting assists. I'm so amazed at how far the industry has come with the ability to not only view the pictures immediately, but to also edit in so many ways in less time. Thanks for this great video Sal and I wish I would've had you as a photographer!

[@SalCincotta1]

ty ty. you are too kind!! :)

[@orion2250]

Loved the hand posing, arms on the last set

[@JustinWayoo]

I love this simple tutorial, very simple but easy to understand

[@SalCincotta1]

ty so much!!

[@bala1000mina]

Thank you so much Sal, helpful and informative!

[@cmillerphotos]

I need more of watching you work with models. I've been shooting for a while and know must of what you covered, but I'm not a natural "people person" so the way you interact with your models is very useful and instructive for me. Thanks for the videos!!!

[@zerospecs2331]

I love working with models. All you do is talk to them and make them feel comfortable. As long as everyone is having fun, is comfortable and happy, you're good 👍.

[@ssi220]

I bout fell out of my chair when you laid that camera and lens on the deck railing. What’s that holster on your hip for?

[@SalCincotta1]

lol

[@danielcosug8083]

Same thing🤭

[@kirstenboczar5961]

Love the look of the 1st set - the reflector below

[@sandralind5097]

Great job, clear, concise & to the point. Tyvm Sal…new subbie.

[@Keith80027]

I like the overhead at distance and the scrim image. Thanks for the video as I enjoy watching you do your stuff. I am 70 years old and maybe I will come out of retirement because I enjoy photography so much.

[@martinblank4250]

Yes, absolutely return to the craft you love!

[@elizabethjansen4742]

Thanks Sal! Always the professional.

[@Itsmejess33]

I was trying to find out how to use the translucent reflector for an upcoming outdoor shoot and this was perfect, thank you!!

[@000CloudStrife]

I know you are using the first method as fill but it looks like horror lighting. This is why we need more assistants lol. More reflectors everywhere!

[@davef312]

Took the words right out of my mouth LOL see my reply

[@raulcre2015]

Great video! I learned something new today! Thank you!

[@davennaleaphotography8145]

Love Anna!!!

[@herobear]

Awesome 🤩 Man! Thanks! Thanks Ladies 😅

[@davef312]

I agree with 000CloudStrife. Silver from underneath give great (sic) "Monster Lighting" the other advantage (LOL) is it's a good way to make sure the model squints. (You can see her rest her eyes between shots, Model +) If you use gold you can get "Two" different color balances on the face? "Monster Gold" Better to get a White/Black and try some subtraction lighting with the black . The white becomes "Fill" not a predominate source like silver and is easier on model eyes. It also eliminates any contaminating lighting from below such a green cast from grass.

[@JEDINITE30]

Exactly. Also silver from underneath makes the chin the brightest part in the image. In His first demo, her chin was super bright, unflattering, and looked very amateurish.

[@30dcanon]

Nice video and yes, amazing how many don’t understand the scrim. Would you consider using the scrim and white reflector underneath just to get a touch more light into the eyes? And you ought to pay us a visit on the West Coast of Florida, and Siesta Key beach as the sand is crushed quartz. Loads of fun. 🤣.

[@SalCincotta1]

The scrim and reflector combo are not a bad idea. The only problem is the scrim is basically the ribs to the reflector so once you take that out the scrim, it’s just a loose piece of material.

[@30dcanon]

@@SalCincotta1 doh! Forgot about that. Well, guess that’s why you need a backup reflector!! 🙂

[@HairBySalah]

lovely thank you

[@michaelajoseph6856]

Thank you!

[@worldpeace1822]

Now I just need your assistant holding up the scrim/reflector

[@kcmikey23]

I appreciate this lesson very much. Do you generally feel that the reflector needs to be that size or are there smaller ones that can be equally effective? Also, for times that you don't have an extra hand to hold them, are there portable and flexible stands of sorts that can be used for reflectors?

[@SalCincotta1]

I definitely would stay away from smaller reflectors because they become more specular and more harsh. you want as large of a light source as possible and to the point yes, they are large and you need extra hands they do make light stands that will hold reflectors, but that creates its own set of issues, right? If it’s a windy day, you now need sandbags and it’s more equipment you have to carry.

[@kcmikey23]

@@SalCincotta1 thank you, Sal!

[@clarkconway8796]

I think my favorite was the middle portrait of Anna with the reflector being thrown. Is that a Florida location you are shooting at on the beach? Thanks Sal!

[@SalCincotta1]

ty ty!! we were in ponte vedra beach florida.

[@skillcubator1]

Hello Sal, When you say 7200, what are you referring to? Is that the focal length of your lens?

[@SalCincotta1]

Yes. 70-200.

[@nicoleducalas5309]

From what direction is the sun coming from?

[@SalCincotta1]

depends on which image, but for reference we are on the east coast of florida - so the sun is coming from the non-ocean side in all these pictures. hope that helps.

[@pamjohnston3219]

Sal, how far back is a reflector effective? Seems like when using one, you are very limited in how image is framed. If you wanted to do a pullback, what are the options? With the pull backs using the scrim, you'd have to edit out the assistant/reflector. Any way to avoid this additional work?

[@SalCincotta1]

all tied to how much sun is out. if no clouds and full sun - ive used a reflector from 30-50 yards away. i dont edit an asistant out... i work around what i can shoot with the reflector and adjust from there. does that make more sense? also if its a full sun day - you dont use silver since that more specular and reflective - you switch to white which is much softer and doesnt throw as much.

[@directorcyga5765]

Which size of that reflector??

[@SalCincotta1]

its their large.

[@StephenRansom]

Love me some good scrimmin'! Any advice on using the scrim but trying to get some catch light/brightness in the eye? What combination of scrim and OCF would you use for this without making the whole face also look light it was lit with OCF? On another note, my stomach went in knots when you placed your camera on the railing like that 🙂

[@SalCincotta1]

Watch my new video - i think at the end i have a linked beach video doing this exact lighting set up.

[@StephenRansom]

@@SalCincotta1 Do you mean the beach shoot? I did watch that a few days ago... forgot that you did this combination (age?) The eyes still seem a little dull to me. I suppose at this point editing is the only way to brighten them up more. Thanks.

[@SalCincotta1]

@@StephenRansom correct. but dont forget... im showing literally straight out of camera. no edits at all. not a lot of photographers will to do that. :) final edit would have some pop in the eyes, more color and contrast, etc.

[@StephenRansom]

@@SalCincotta1 Gotcha. Thanks for your replies and videos!

[@snelson4u]

Did you shoot in AP?

[@SalCincotta1]

yes always when outdoors. only time im in manual is when shooting in the studio.

[@pogolas]

I don't find the underneath light reflection pleasant.

[@vimalneha]

Great video, but you should have given the focal lengths of each shot.

[@yasumotonoboru]

Would have been really helpful to see with/without pics side by side.

[@SpotBentley]

The first photo with the reflector placed below the model's face is more amateurish than the photo without the reflector.

[@davida5296]

pro tip.... NEVER use a reflector to light from under the subject. It makes them look ghoulish. --just think Halloween with flashlights under the chin. Much more natural and pleasing to hold the reflector above the subject. That's how light usually falls, and we are accustomed to seeing it that way and thinking its pleasing.

[@vincentnavea6999]

i don't like the reflector from below. makes a horror photo for me

[@noahvale7555]

Perfectly good portrait ruined by silver reflector...What do I know?....I'm just an amateur

[@SalCincotta1]

But you critique without thinking twice. But what do I know. I’m just the one putting myself out there.