We all know how expensive photography and lighting gear can be, so it’s a good idea to do some research before you purchase light modifiers.
Reflectors and umbrellas all give different results and sometimes the difference is quite dramatic. This article over at PetaPixel explains how light modifiers can change the look of your portraits.
Umbrellas
A silver umbrella produces harder light and more contrast. A white umbrella goes between your model and your flash, softening it and producing a very diffuse light that tends to illuminate your entire studio for soft, natural lighting.
A silver umbrella with diffusing fabric is a mix of the two umbrellas, with the silver side creating contrasty light and the diffuser fabric softening everything.
Stripbox
The stripbox is a very long and rectangular softbox that you can use to achieve less shadows than a square softbox.
The Stripbox which are very long rectangular softbox, they shed light on a thin and long zone like for example an entire portrait have less shade than a softbox square.
Ring flash
The ring flash wraps around your camera to create a look with no visible shadows. It gives a beautiful ring reflection in your subject’s eyes and a flattened look to your portraits. You can use the ring flash in conjunction with other light sources.
Beauty dish
The beauty dish (or beauty bowl) is, as its name suggests, aimed primarily at the beauty of picture and thus essentially portraits, it produces a contrasting light and highlights the details of the skin and face. It’s often the modifier of choice for tight portraits in fashion photography and makeup photos.
Read more tips and see example photos over at PetaPixel.
Source: PetaPixel
