Is this photo a correct example of how a reflector can be used for fill?

Question

The photo below is from Wikipedia. I've used it as an example of how effective reflected sunlight can be to for fill on a subject who otherwise would be too dark due to shadowing.

I've been at the beach in the late afternoon with conditions like this and I know the sun can suddenly pop out of an overcast skies through a break in the clouds near the horizon, but the effect is so pronounced, it almost looks like there is an additional battery powered flood not seen from this direction. The color of the direct sunlight on the photographer's jacket, and various rocks looks balanced, but the light on the model looks more yellow.

So I am wondering if this can be used as a correct example of how effective a reflector can be for fill.

Answer 1

I would say the sun is peeping through that very dark cloud because:

• The light on the photographer's leg is too harsh not to be the sun (clouds would heavily defuse the light).

• There is a heavy shadow of the photographer and assistant on the sand in keeping with the direction of the sun, again we wouldn't see this in defused light by the clouds.

• I would say the reflector face they are using to bounce the light is 'gold' thus giving that unusually warm light on the subject. Please see my example here: it was approx. 40mins from sunset and a gold reflector: Link (6th Image down)

• Of Course they could be adding additional light such as a OCF speedlight or even bouncing a speedlight mounted on the camera (looks as if he has one on and is holding the camera in portrait).

  • EDIT - If it was a speedlight this must have been an extremely well timed capture as the flash would have to sync with the camera this image was taking on. I'd say this was sunlight. I'd be surprised if continuous light was used as I can't think of anything mobile that would be powerful enough.

I hope this helps :)

Answer 2

"I've used it as an example of how effective reflected sunlight can be to for fill on a subject who otherwise would be too dark due to shadowing."

Reflected ambient light is used to eliminate or soften shadows on the subject that would otherwise create bizarre, awkward, or otherwise inappropriate effects. In field portraiture, for example, reflectors are often used to eliminate shadows caused by the nose or hair, and not strictly to illuminate the dark side of the face. Noses cause all sort of headaches for portrait photographers as well as videographers.

In the case above, the model is clearly illuminated on her left by a low sun that would cause harsh shadows over her face and body....highlighting every bump and crease of the subject, likely causing enough of a distraction that the photo becomes ineffective. The reflector has filled (and softened) the shadows, evening surface textures, and re-establishing the point of the image, be it clothing, makeup, hair product, whatever.

Note that these reflectors do a better job of this than a fill-flash in that they can reflect ambient light color, from any angle and distance, off of a diffused surface, that can be focused.