Reflector Archives — Westcott University https://westcottu.com/topic/reflector Lighting Education for Photographers and Filmmakers Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:52:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://westcottu.com/wp-content/uploads/icon-university.png Reflector Archives — Westcott University https://westcottu.com/topic/reflector 32 32 Transform Any Space into a Studio: Sports Portrait Lighting with Jaison Sterling https://westcottu.com/transform-any-space-into-a-studio-sports-portrait-lighting-with-jaison-sterling Fri, 30 May 2025 11:15:30 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156744 When it comes to creating dynamic portraits of athletes, you don’t need a fancy studio, just smart lighting and a good game plan. In this behind-the-scenes video, photographer Jaison Sterling walks us through how he transformed a high school gym into a dramatic portrait set for a wrestler using a few portable strobes, clever modifiers, and some strategic light placement.

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]]> 156744 Stylized Portraits Using the FJ Wireless Flash System https://westcottu.com/stylized-portraits-using-the-fj-wireless-flash-system Fri, 01 Oct 2021 15:10:04 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153494 Stylized portrait shoots open the door for photographers to really use their creativity. In this tutorial with Top Pro and Westcott’s in-house photographer, Ashley Boring, we’ll watch her breakdown a playful disco themed portrait photoshoot. The goal of this photoshoot is to capture two completely different looks for her model’s portfolio using a disco ball […]

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]]> 153494 How to Perfect Natural Light for Stunning Wedding Portraits https://westcottu.com/perfect-natural-light-for-wedding-portraits Mon, 21 May 2018 15:29:59 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150941 In this video tutorial, Nikon Ambassador Jerry Ghionis utilizes a collapsible reflector to perfect natural light for stunning wedding portraits outdoors. Jerry is widely regarded as one of the top wedding photographers in the world. Based in both Melbourne and Beverly Hills, Jerry has developed a successful career based on his unique ability to capture […]

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]]> 150941 How to Capture Pro Boudoir Photography with Natural Light https://westcottu.com/boudoir-photography-with-natural-light Fri, 21 Jul 2017 20:41:45 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150287 Boudoir photography is often captured in a studio or home with artificial lighting. But when windows are available and the sun is shining, boudoir photographers can take advantage of natural light. While daylight is a beautiful (and free!) light source, a reflector is an essential ingredient for perfecting natural light. In this case, photographer Jen Rozenbaum finds a simple clean […]

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]]> 150287 Controlling Harsh Sunlight for Glamorous Beach Portraits https://westcottu.com/natural-light-beach-portraits Wed, 29 Mar 2017 21:05:30 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=149978 Beaches are a common location choice for photo shoots. They’re beautiful, accessible, and offer plenty of sunlight. Sometimes, a little too much sunlight. In locations like this, many photographers default to dragging their expensive studio lights out on location in an attempt to overpower the sun. However, modifying available light is a much more cost […]

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]]> 149978 CLOSED: Omega 360 Reflector Giveaway https://westcottu.com/contests/omega-360-reflector-giveaway https://westcottu.com/contests/omega-360-reflector-giveaway#respond Mon, 20 Feb 2017 21:04:13 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?post_type=contests&p=149876 The is the world’s first 15-in-1 lighting tool. Designed by renowned photographer Jerry Ghionis, the Omega 360 combines the effects of a traditional reflector with the luxury of a ring flash effect. This is an innovative tool for portraits photographers shooting with natural light, off-camera flash, or constant lighting. Unlike traditional reflectors, the Omega Reflector 360 features […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/contests/omega-360-reflector-giveaway/feed 0 149876 Reflecting Natural Light for Senior Portraits with the Omega Reflector https://westcottu.com/reflecting-natural-light-with-the-omega-reflector Mon, 03 Oct 2016 20:42:31 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150447 Capturing professional senior portraits doesn’t require expensive lighting equipment, especially when your client wants to shoot on location. In this video, Kentucky-based photographer Matt Hernandez demonstrates how to best use a portable reflector to perfect natural light. All collapsible reflectors are ideal tools for getting professional-quality lighting in location photography. They’re compact, easy to travel […]

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]]> 150447 The Essential Guide to Photo Reflectors https://westcottu.com/photo-reflectors-guide https://westcottu.com/photo-reflectors-guide#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2016 20:49:17 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148703 Reflectors are the most basic and essential lighting tool for photographers. In this in-depth guide, Team Westcott discusses the basics of photo reflectors, fabric colors and sizes, and when to use them. Reflectors give photographers the ability to reflect, block, and soften both available light (typically sunlight) and artificial light (strobes, continuous lights, or speedlights). They are ultra-portable […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/photo-reflectors-guide/feed 1 148703 How to Photograph Day for Night with Speedlights https://westcottu.com/how-to-photograph-day-for-night-with-speedlights Thu, 21 Jul 2016 15:22:18 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148652 Westcott Top Pro portrait photographer Kevin Kubota demonstrates how to shoot with an ND filter to gain the effect of high speed sync, allowing you to shoot day for night with speed lights. In this video, Kevin modifies his speedlight with a warm gel and the . Designed by the internationally-acclaimed photographer, the LunaGrip is a […]

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]]> 148652 Inspiringly Easy High School Senior Portraits https://westcottu.com/easy-high-school-senior-portraits Thu, 08 Oct 2015 20:26:46 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=147915 Westcott Top Pro photographer Kevin Kubota heads to a park near Westcott HQ to capture effortless high school senior portraits with the speedlite modifier. Designed by Kubota, the LunaGrip is a unique grip that allows photographers to pair their speedlite and favorite diffusion disc. The LunaGrip creates beautiful but manageable lighting. This handheld bracket features an adjustable shoe-mount, […]

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]]> 147915 Controlling the Sun with the Omega Reflector https://westcottu.com/controlling-the-sun-omega-reflector Mon, 31 Aug 2015 15:38:40 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=147853 I was recently in the south of France teaching a workshop to a group of professional photographers. I prepared a class about shooting in natural light and controlling the Sun. This is the best way to understand and manipulate light. This was also a perfect opportunity to use 10-in-1 created by fellow Westcott Top Pro […]

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]]> 147853 Creating Eye-Catching Portraits with the Eyelighter https://westcottu.com/creating-eye-catching-portraits-with-the-eyelighter Tue, 12 May 2015 21:12:45 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=147395 This review is courtesy of Canadian portrait photographer and digital artist Nikki Harrison. This is something I have been dying for – for a really LONG time.  I use under light reflectors all the time, especially with women because it is such a flattering fill light.  The way the bends the light and wraps it […]

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]]> 147395 Creating Soft Cross-Lighting with Joel Grimes https://westcottu.com/creating-soft-cross-lighting-joel-grimes Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:39:50 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=142776 Successful commercial photographer Joel Grimes is known for creating dramatic lighting setups for eye-catching portraits. One of Joel’s go-to setups is soft cross-lighting. Cross-lighting is created by bouncing a large light source off of a large reflector or wall. To create an ultra-soft version of typical cross-lighting, Joel utilizes a large 7′ Parabolic Umbrella with […]

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]]> 142776 Beauty Portrait Lighting with Hernan Rodriguez https://westcottu.com/beauty-portrait-lighting-hernan-rodriguez Thu, 11 Dec 2014 19:56:00 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=142748 This article is courtesy of celebrity portrait photographer Hernan Rodriguez. Read the full article on Hernan’s photography blog.  Simple Beauty Portrait Lighting There are endless approaches in creating beauty lighting. The most common which has been used throughout the ages, we can refer to as “Simple Beauty Lighting”. Here you can set a large soft box […]

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]]> 142748 In-Studio with João Carlos and the Ice Light https://westcottu.com/in-studio-with-joao-carlos Wed, 03 Dec 2014 20:17:44 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=142668 This article is courtesy of Westcott Top Pro photographer João Carlos. You can read the full article and see more of João Carlos’ portrait photography on his website. For my second proper shoot with the , I decided to create some black and white portraits in the studio. I had recently been at Just Models […]

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]]> 142668 How to Light for a Flixel with James Schmelzer https://westcottu.com/flixel-lighting-with-james-schmelzer Tue, 02 Dec 2014 20:24:24 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=142691 A living photo, often called a Flixel, is a combination of a still image and of a short video. A Flixel is created by filming a short, high-quality video and editing within the Flixel Cinemagraph software. Because Flixels are shot with video, it is neccesary to use continuous light. To light this Flixel, Westcott Top Pro […]

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]]> 142691 Using the Omega Reflector as a Shoot-Through https://westcottu.com/using-omega-reflector-shoot https://westcottu.com/using-omega-reflector-shoot#comments Mon, 10 Nov 2014 06:55:54 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=142581 The Omega Reflector is the world’s first 10-in-1 shoot-through reflector. The 38″ x 45″ Omega Reflector combines the effect of a traditional reflector with the luxury of a beauty dish and a ring flash. This innovative reflector instantly produces a main light and backlight with a single light source, while also keeping the reflector out of […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/using-omega-reflector-shoot/feed 1 142581 Adjusting Light Positioning for Portraiture https://westcottu.com/adjusting-light-positioning-portraiture Sun, 19 Oct 2014 15:47:58 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=142466 Joel Grimes, a Westcott Top Pro Elite portrait photographer, creates a stunning overhead beauty shot in this lighting tutorial. Here, he discusses light positioning and how to capture both minimal and dramatic shadows by simply raising and lowering a single light source. Joel first begins this portrait session with just a single light source centered […]

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]]> 142466 How to Assemble the Westcott Eyelighter https://westcottu.com/assemble-westcott-eyelighter Mon, 13 Oct 2014 01:11:55 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=142428 Brandon Heiss, lighting educator with Team Westcott, discusses how to assemble the Westcott Eyelighter in this gear guide. The Westcott Eyelighter comes disassembled in its compact travel case. This includes the ‘s reflective fabric, 4 curved rods, the frame support bracket, a light stand bracket, and 2 straight rods. The first step in assembling the Eyelighter […]

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]]> 142428 Real Deal Review: Andrew Foord and the Eyelighter https://westcottu.com/real-deal-review-andrew-foord-eyelighter Tue, 07 Oct 2014 19:29:43 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=141745 New Jersey portrait photographer Andrew Foord shot with the innovative Eyelighter reflector in this latest Real Deal Review. The Westcott Eyelighter is the first curved reflector available for portrait photographers. Featuring a durable frame and highly-reflective silver surface, the Eyelighter produces a clamshell reflection with a beautiful catchlight. This arc-shaped reflector was inspired by the unique curved shaped of […]

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]]> 141745 The History of the Eyelighter with Larry Peters https://westcottu.com/history-eyelighter-larry-peters Mon, 06 Oct 2014 19:48:33 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=141736 Westcott, an industry-leading innovator of photo and video lighting products, teamed with photographer Larry Peters in early 2014 to pioneer a unique tool for portrait photography. The Eyelighter, designed by Peters, is the only curved reflector available on the market. This new partnership combined the highest quality construction with cutting-edge design. This truly brought Larry’s […]

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]]> 141736 Creating a Summer Portrait In Studio with Jim Schmelzer https://westcottu.com/summer-portrait-in-studio-with-jim-schmelzer Wed, 03 Sep 2014 03:38:26 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=141617 Have you ever wanted to create a warm, summer portrait in unfavorable weather conditions? Photographers, especially those living in northern climates, often can not go outdoors in all seasons to capture images with beautiful backdrops or sunny lighting. Master Craftsman portrait photographer Jim Schmelzer set out to create a summer-themed portrait in the dead of winter in […]

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]]> 141617 Studio Portraiture with the Eyelighter https://westcottu.com/studio-portraiture-eyelighter Fri, 08 Aug 2014 20:02:58 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=141564 In the Elite Photographic Studio near Detroit, Michigan, Team Westcott goes behind the scenes with renowned photographer Jim Schmelzer to talk studio portraiture with the . During this shoot, Jim’s studio is setup with the . The Skylux is modified with the . The Skylux is a continuous daylight-balanced light source. Jim is an avid […]

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]]> 141564 Improving your Portraits using the Westcott Eyelighter https://westcottu.com/improving-portraits-eyelighter Tue, 01 Jul 2014 13:31:57 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=141282 Top Pro Elite Photographer Dave Cross has been photographing and educating photographers for over 25 years.  In this video, Dave covers how to improve portrait photography with the simple addition of the Westcott Eyelighter.  The Eyelighter is a curved reflector that sits on a stand in front of your model.  This self supporting reflector allows […]

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]]> 141282 Clamshell Lighting with the Skylux https://westcottu.com/clamshell-lighting-skylux Thu, 12 Jun 2014 20:54:49 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=141036 Clamshell lighting is a popular among portrait and beauty photographers. By using two light sources, one directed down onto a subject’s face and one directed up toward a subject’s face , a photographer can eliminate a majority of shadows created by minor imperfections. This lighting technique creates a flawless appearance in head shots. While photographers […]

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]]> 141036 Modern Beauty Photography with Lou Freeman https://westcottu.com/lou-freeman-part-2 Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:38:14 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=140932 Lou Freeman has practiced the art of fashion, glamour, fine interior and product photography for three decades. Her clients are among the most respected and recognized names in America and Europe. Her work is both powerful and visionary and has been recognized by both the publishing and advertising worlds, winning her the prestigious OBIE and […]

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]]> 140932 Shooting in Harsh Sunlight https://westcottu.com/shooting-harsh-sunlight Mon, 02 Jun 2014 19:45:59 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=140745 Any good landscape photographer will tell you that you’ll get the best results if you’re up, out, and ready to shoot as the sun is coming up or as the sun is going down. Middle of the day is probably the absolute worst time to be outside shooting. However, if you’re shooting a wedding or […]

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]]> 140745 Behind The Scenes with Hernan Rodriguez https://westcottu.com/behind-scenes-hernan-rodriguez Tue, 06 May 2014 18:12:48 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=140498 When I saw the Zepplin showcased at this year’s WPPI Convention, my creative juices began brewing on what project I could create to give this bad-boy a run. As I unpacked my Zepplin, just by looking at the silver inner baffle and the option of multiple scrim diffusers, I could envision the quality of light […]

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]]> 140498 Diffusing Harsh Sunlight with Clay Cook https://westcottu.com/diffusing-harsh-sunlight Thu, 27 Mar 2014 20:28:51 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=140301 This article is courtesy of Louisville-based fashion photographer Clay Cook. I’ve been there, standing in the middle of a field on a hot day with a scorching sun, mulling back and forth on how to capture a quality shot. In the back of my mind, I’m wishing for some cloud cover or an overcast sky […]

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]]> 140301 Lighting Active Children https://westcottu.com/lighting-active-children Tue, 11 Feb 2014 18:45:59 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=140172 This article is courtesy of Westcott Top Pro photographer Dawn Weisinger. It has been my pleasure to photograph some of the most adorable children over the last 9 years. I have spent a great deal of that time photographing toddlers and preschoolers and have come to love every minute with that age group. Yep, that’s […]

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]]> 140172 Understanding the Inverse Square Law https://westcottu.com/inverse-square-law Wed, 29 Jan 2014 17:25:33 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=140103 This article was originally published on Digital Photography School and is used with their permission.  I don’t know about you, but I was never much of a math student. I needed a tutor in high school for both geometry and physics. I chose a double major in college (Journalism/English) that required no math. I practiced […]

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]]> 140103 Real Deal Review: Five-in-One Reflector Kit https://westcottu.com/real-deal-review-five-one-reflector-kit Mon, 25 Nov 2013 20:38:49 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=139436 In this Westcott Real Deal Review, we sent photographer Jennifer Jackson from Lexington, Kentucky a 40″ Five-in-One Reflector kit in exchange for her recorded opinions. Jennifer first discusses the contents of this Westcott Reflector Kit, which includes a white diffusion panel, a slip cover, the reflector holder, a 7′ light stand, and an educational DVD. […]

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]]> 139436 Quick Tip: Using a Reflector Outdoors https://westcottu.com/using-a-reflector-outdoors Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:57:29 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=133297 Join Top Pro Elite Photographer Rick Sammon as he explains when it would be appropriate to use a 5-in-1 Westcott Basics Reflector. See a visual demonstration between a silver and gold reflector, as well as ambient light in this video. Westcott reflectors come in a variety of fabrics and sizes.  A reflector is referred to […]

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]]> 133297 Quick Tip: How to Fold a Reflector https://westcottu.com/how-to-fold-a-reflector Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:48:47 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=133279 This video tip features Brandon from Westcott and it shows two easy methods on how to fold a reflector. The first method Brandon will show is referred to as the “Twist” and this is done by taking the reflector on opposite corners and twisting the reflector until it naturally folds up.  The second method shown […]

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]]> 133279 Using a Reflector to Fill Light https://westcottu.com/erin-manning-using-a-reflector-pro-tip Thu, 06 Jun 2013 22:35:18 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=133215 In this video, Westcott Top Pro Elite Photographer Erin Manning shows us how to use a reflector to greatly improve the quality of her photos.  She uses a as her main source of light, with a as a fill light.  Erin also discusses what settings to use with the Home Studio Lighting Kit, as well […]

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]]> 133215 Shooting Outdoors: Headshots in the park https://westcottu.com/shooting-outdoors-erik-valind-on-headshots-park Tue, 24 Jul 2012 13:38:09 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=121888 Shooting Outdoors Rocks When given the choice between shooting in a studio or shooting outdoors in the world, I’ll drag my camera gear and subject out that door any day of the week. The sheer volume of different backgrounds and locations can be overwhelming if you’re just starting out though. Thankfully every city out there […]

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]]> 121888 Using Natural Light Outdoors for a Romantic Concept Shoot https://westcottu.com/outdoor-fashion-setup-using-westcott-reflector Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:21:44 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=116782 In these works, Portugal-based fashion photographer Joâo Carlos pairs the literature of love tragedies through the ages with these stunning outdoor fashion portraits. These images have a composition and balance inspired by the masters of painting. Centuries-old castles and palaces in Portugal create a fairy tale setting for the characters to play out their doomed […]

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