How to Use a Reflector: Breathe Your Passion with Vanessa Joy

[@scottsater]

I know this video has been around for 3 years, Vanessa! But today I am doing a Senior Portrait Session on a very sunny day. And rather than use fill-flash, I am going to incorporate what you shared on your video here, and use a reflector! YAY! Thanks so much! Always inspiring, upbeat videos of wisdom from you! Thanks for keeping it fun, too :)!!

[@josephchan4198]

I forgot how good your videos are. Kudos to Photographer and team.

[@szbert]

I just found your vids. Not only are they helpful, you're one of the coolest and most entertaining people on youtube

[@brucesmith9144]

Thanks for confirming the next most important “gear” is a very capable assistant!

[@VanessaJoy]

Bruce Smith um yes. I agree with that wholeheartedly

[@xeo98.98]

Vanessa it's super fun and easy to follow ( second language learner here) thank you for this and all the knowledge you share

[@jaypob]

Would love more side-by-side photo comparisons when doing explanations like this. Thanks!

[@VanessaJoy]

jaypob you might like this then: instagram.com/tv/BxgSlsbAgAo/?igshid=vqucinqd0dp7

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Thanks, Vanessa. (Those 5-ways are really versatile, for the reasons you mentioned. I always keep one around.) Your results are quite pretty!

[@VanessaJoy]

super versatile right? I didn't even go into my makeshift clamshell setup I do with that single reflector. You can see that here: instagram.com/tv/BxgSlsbAgAo/

[@darrenweston8085]

Ness - Absolutely love your style of photography and teaching vids. LOVE IT !!!!! Please keep them coming !!! Best wishes from UK

[@VanessaJoy]

Darren Weston why thank you very much!! Doing my best 😊

[@jimtipton8888]

Thanks Vanessa Joy! Quick, concise and on point! Very informative! Looking forward to more!

[@VanessaJoy]

Jim Tipton my pleasure!! Happy u like

[@cjiscurrentlyonline]

Thank you, Vanessa! I really enjoy your approach to these videos.

[@VanessaJoy]

I so thrilled to hear that you do! Haha I'm having fun :)

[@Clearonlinevideo]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing, these are seriously one of the best practical and less expensive pieces of gear to have with you. So many options!

[@VanessaJoy]

Clear Online Video so so so true!!

[@Noealz]

Always a joy to watch Vanessa : )

[@VanessaJoy]

Noealz Photo pun always intended 😉

[@kenemesay]

this is a video i've beeeen looking for. where refloctors and diffusers are used in natural lighting instead of expensive lighing gear since i'm a beginner photographer. thank you for this! God bless!

[@facu_eze_peralta]

I love when i watch a good video of how to use a reflector and the make it rigth! nice job Vanessa! Such a big fan of you and Roberto Valenzuela ♥ Sorry About my bad english, I speak Spanish. Best wishes from Argentina! ♥

[@VanessaJoy]

Facundo Peralta podemos hablar en español si prefieres 😊

[@raygee1138]

Great information-I'm not a wedding photographer (just an amateur shooter), but I find your tips & tricks to be very useful, thanks!

[@VanessaJoy]

Ray Guarino so glad to hear!

[@joeloftus9053]

very informative, love your delivery of the info, it'll stick in my head better than a dry list of options

[@VanessaJoy]

Joe Loftus that’s the idea 😉

[@PostColorGear]

I love the format of these new videos!

[@VanessaJoy]

The Post Color Blog me too! So much fun :)

[@xiqueira]

thanks! love the short simple explanations!!

[@VanessaJoy]

Geraldine C short and sweet 😊

[@jonstivers]

I like the black tape on your shirt. You are funny and informative, thank you :)

[@phynest2012]

Short simple and to the point

[@reneamaro8476]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. You are very charming and entertaining. I hope to see more of your videos. 👍😁

[@charlesxchaves]

Excellent video! Quick and easy

[@emilyirene2806]

Such a USEFUL video! Thank you!

[@gregshawphotography8828]

Vanessa, this is very helpful. But what do I do when I am shooting a small wedding, and I am alone? Which is most of the time.

[@VanessaJoy]

Greg Shaw I like the lastolite triangle or Halo reflector for that - they’re so light you can hold them yourself!

[@teleking58]

Good video Vanessa!

[@VanessaJoy]

Robbie Keene thanks so much!!

[@mirkops9678]

Amazing !!!

[@VanessaJoy]

Thanks so much!

[@mattigrafikboi_gametwo]

Awesome Intro xD and video at all. Vanessa is a Joy............ More of these please. Love my reflectors....hope they love me too

[@VanessaJoy]

Matti ausm Norden I’m sure they do!

[@MrFredypalacio]

Super cool!!!

[@VanessaJoy]

Fredy Palacio yayyyyy Thanks!

[@shamishome]

Whta i was looking for,, thanks

[@manoharmgr8235]

வீடியோ மிகவும் பயனுள்ளதாக இருந்தது மிக்க நன்றி 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 இரா.மனோகர் சென்னை . Very useful this video sir big thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 R.MANOHAR Chennai.

[@danielhamilton698]

Haha @1:45. Rob- "Don't mess with the lighting. Dont mess...." *messes with the lighting*

[@K3zz21]

You are amazing

[@tw9535]

So Vanessa, how often does the white reflector from underneath the couple create a dominant, shadow casting light source from underneath?

[@VanessaJoy]

Wilson Newman hard to say - it’s all based on the specific lighting... for example it’s good to have a reflector underneath when the main light is above like a clamshell setup.

[@nirajfilms1040]

I like the lady... how she explained.. thanx

[@VanessaJoy]

Niraj films happy you do!

[@andreasniggemann]

Nice video. I've stopped using a reflector 15 years ago. Too many downsides (versus off camera flash): You need an assistant, you can only reflect ambient light from certain directions, not from everywhere to everywhere, you cannot overpower the ambient light, it can dazzle your subject(s), you had to put it very high to get a realistic effect (as in this video), after a three hour shooting holding the reflector, your assistant is a professional bodybuilder :-)

[@VanessaJoy]

Andreas Niggemann lol yes she is but it’s lighter than holding off camera flash in places where we’re not allowed to put light stands down

[@techbysoup]

Very informative!

[@VanessaJoy]

Soup thx so much! 😊

[@maro3555]

Thank you ❤

[@pattymattes7124]

Thank you!!! I do want one of those Glow Reflectors. The one I want was on sale and now it's not :( Hoping it goes on sale again. I wonder if I can use a windshield sunshade? LOL. I love your videos!!!

[@VanessaJoy]

Patty Mattes fingers crossed for you!! And you can use a lot of things for a reflector. Lol I hear Brooklyn has some nice ones. 😉

[@petermarquez4527]

you have the coolest video, is that a new trend black tape across your T-shirt !!

[@VanessaJoy]

peter marquez haha more like hiding a small obscenity

[@berniestang2616]

I absolutely love all your videos … keep them coming . I have a question, in this video : What strap do u have on your camera ,? Thank you in advance !

[@cashino]

Very informative VJ~

[@VanessaJoy]

cashino thanks 🙏

[@dragonfist25]

Nice tips.

[@VanessaJoy]

dragonfist25 thank uuuuuu

[@maf3695]

I guess specular highlights is not good? When would you use the gold and silver reflector?

[@VanessaJoy]

maf36 it’s perfectly fine if that’s what you’re going for! I’d use the gold/silver when I wanted a little more warmth in my light bouncing back :)

[@andrepepin9792]

The gold reflector rarely gives good results in any circumstances, unless you like yellowish skin. The silver can be used when you want high specular highlights, for certain types of photos commanding that, like a special make-up, costume, or special effect you might want to give to your photo. However, a beauty shot or a shot at a wedding doesn't command high specular highlights!

[@NorahAlkhalaf0]

Is it true that the green grass will reflect the dress and the faces?!!! I have never noticed something like that 😕

[@VanessaJoy]

Norah NK yes!! More so when the light is shining harshly down on it. It’s sooooo frustrating!

[@davidmarshall5665]

How do I get the courage to do my first wedding?

[@syedameen4176]

The Posing guide doesn't gets downloaded?

[@VanessaJoy]

syed ameen it does via a link sent to your email :)

[@KnowTruthLoveTruth]

I tried to download the free posing guide mentioned at 4:11 but the website is giving me an error when I key in my email address. It says "this value seems to be invalid". I triple-checked my email address and I did type it correctly. Could it be that it doesn't like email addresses that end in .net ??

[@godhandmultimedia2489]

So what if am in a room and there is shadow at side of the person and light 💡 at the other side how should I use the reflector

[@b991228]

You forgot the most important tip. How do you put it back in the case?

[@VanessaJoy]

Jim Mauch LoL you’re right!!!!!

[@manoharmgr8235]

Super

[@wanneske1969]

Using the gold side of the reflector is probably not a good idea ?

[@JYP1M]

Glad I watched the whole video, when I saw the screenshot I was like WTF is she holding that reflector underneath 🙄🙄🙄 I saw a couple of people doing that at a museum recently and just shook my head.

[@VanessaJoy]

JYP1M hahaha prob not the best screen grab but MADE YA LOOK!

[@andrepepin9792]

Well, a reflector can be used underneath to create a clamshell effect, but not when using a natural diffuse light from a large window (coming from the side) or if you have a backlit subject outside on a sunny day. But when you main source of light is a flash or continuous light coming from above and creating important shadows in the neckline, under the nose, etc., you can use a reflector from under to reduce those shadows...

[@stevenmeansphotography3861]

How many inches is the reflector l

[@dbj1113]

use pink tape next time you have that top on,ha ha