Skip to main content
TechRadar TechRadar the technology experts
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
RSS
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Phones
    • Popular Phone Brands
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
    • Operating Systems
      • Android
      • iOS
    • More from Phones
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
    • PCs
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
    • Popular Computing Brands
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
    • More from Computing
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • TV Insights
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
    • More for your TV
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
    • Watch Brands
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
    • Wellbeing
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
    • More from Fitness
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
    • More from Audio
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • Camera Types
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
    • Camera Brands
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
    • More from Cameras
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
    • Home Brands
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
    • More from Home
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • By Type
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
    • Popular Brands
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
  • Phones
    • View Phones
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
      • Android
      • iOS
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • View Computing
    • Laptops
      • View Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • View Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • View Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • View Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • View Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • View Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • View AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • View TVs
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • View Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • View Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • View Audio
    • Headphones
      • View Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • View Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • View Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • View Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • View VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • View Cameras
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • View Home
    • Smart Home
      • View Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • View Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • View Browse
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
Trending
  • Best VPN
  • Back to school
  • Best laptop
  • ChatGPT
  • Nintendo Switch 2
  • NYT Wordle today
  • Best web hosting
Don't miss these
PolarPro LightLeak Lens, 28mm, attached to a Nikon mirrorless camera
Camera Lenses Fabulous flare, light leak and dreamy soft edges – I tested PolarPro's unique lenses, and they’re so bad they’re good
best M1-compatible Mac apps
Software & Services How to remove backgrounds and objects in Adobe Lightroom
Tim holding a Leica
Photography I'm a photographer and went screen-free for a week – here's how it changed my photography experience
Adobe Lightroom
Software & Services How to edit photos in Adobe Lightroom
A camera next to two infrared photos of a train station and tree
Cameras I turned my Fujifilm X-T3 into an infrared wonder – and it's the best photography decision I've made in years
From left to right, the Blurb front cover is noticeably more vibrant and detailed, whereas the detail has been lost on the much darker result of the Snapfish front cover.
Websites & Apps The best photo book services, all tested and compared by our experts
Philips Hue Wall Washer light on nightstand with plant, beside bed
Smart Lights I swapped my alarm clock for this Philips Hue light, and I've never felt more refreshed in the morning
The OM System OM-1 camera on a wooden table
Mirrorless Cameras Photography and hiking are my idea of a dream weekend – this is the perfect camera system I take into the great outdoors
Portrait of a cat, Olympus EM-5 Mark II sample images
Mirrorless Cameras I ditched my pricey full-frame camera and downsized for a year – here are 5 lessons learned
Silver Fujifilm X-E5, on a wooden bench
Mirrorless Cameras I took the new Fujifilm X-E5 and pancake lens on a city break, and they're a dream pairing for travel photography
an image of a woman holding the Google Pixel 10 Pro
Google Pixel Phones Hate your smartphone photos? Google’s Pixel 10 could have your back – here’s how
A hand holds up the Instax Wide Evo camera against a colourful graffiti wall
Instant Cameras The best instant camera 2025, based on real-world testing
PolarPro QuartzLine ND filter
Camera Accessories PolarPro Quartzline ND filter review
An iPhone on a green and blue background showing the iOS 26 Camera app
iPhone I spent a week testing iOS 26's new camera app – here are the 3 things I like and the 2 I don't
Two phones on a blue and green background showing the Photopills app planning page for the Perseids meteor shower
Photography How to watch and photograph tonight's Perseid meteor shower
  1. Cameras
  2. Photography

How to get rid of shadows in your photos

How-to
By N-Photo published 13 June 2016

Forget complicated lighting equipment

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

How to get rid of shadows in your photography

How to get rid of shadows in your photography

A reflector will often give you all the control you need to achieve perfectly lit portraits, still lifes, macro shots and any other kind of image where the subject isn't too big and you can get up close to it.

Reflectors are perfect for those situations where you've got a single, strong light source, such as a window or solitary lamp, and need to balance it by adding light from the other side so that the shadows don't appear too dense. All you have to do is hold the reflector on the other side of your subject so it 'bounces' light back into the darker areas of shadow.

  • Home studio setup: 6 things every photographer needs

Commercially available reflectors usually have a highly reflective, matte white surface that gives even, neutral illumination. But you can also get other types that provide a range of different effects. For example, gold reflectors provide attractive, warm skin tones in portrait shots, while metallic silver foil finishes produce a bright, sparkling light.

Reflectors like these are particularly handy to use because they fold up to fit into a small carry pouch – though there's a bit of a knack to twisting them in the right way!

Alternatively, you can make your own reflector – you just need two sheets of A3-size white foam board, available from most stationery stores. You then tape these together with masking tape. For smaller subjects, you can use it folded, while for larger subjects you can open it out to A3 to provide more fi ll-in light. The 'hinge' in the middle means you can stand the reflector up, which is ideal for table-top and still-life photography.

You can also use a sheet, some white paper or any other reflective surface in place of a proper reflector. You can even use a mirror, which will provide a mirror image – literally – of your main light source.

Follow our guide and you'll be mastering the reflector in no time.

  • 14 portrait photography tips you'll never want to forget
Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of 6
1. Hold and shoot

1. Hold and shoot

If you're shooting a head-and-shoulders portrait, you might be close enough to hold the reflector yourself.

If the light is coming from the left, cross your hands over and rest your camera hand on your left wrist. However, make sure you don't get so close that your subject's features get distorted.

Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
2. Try different colors

2. Try different colors

White reflectors are a good basic standby, but try other colors too. This gold reflector produces a really warm, rich tone, which will give paler-skinned subjects a healthy, tanned look.

Some commercial reflectors have a silvered finish that gives a brighter, more sparkling light.

Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
3. Find an assistant

3. Find an assistant

Getting someone else to hold the reflector makes a big difference. Not only does it leave you with both hands free to operate the camera, it also enables you to stand further back and use a longer focal length. This produces a much more flattering perspective for portrait shots.

Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
4. Look for catch lights

4. Look for catch lights

'Catch lights' are reflections of your light source in your subject's eyes, and they're what give the eyes their life and sparkle. If you're careful, you can control the size of the catch lights by moving the reflector in and out. You can see them here on the right side of our model's eyes.

  • 6 simple lighting setups for shooting portraits at home
Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6
5. Picking the best reflector

5. Picking the best reflector

Pocket Sized

This reflector folds up small enough to fit into any gadget bag, but is still big enough to produce great fill-in light for head shots.

Use a reflector

Bigger and better

This Lastolite TriGrip is considerably bigger, but it provides more fill-in light, and has a solid grip for easy one-handed use.

Use a reflector

All-purpose

This Phottix 5-in-1 reflector has removable/reversible sleeves so you can provide a wide variety of reflector colours and effects.

Use a reflector

Man-sized

Full-length portraits need a full-length reflector. This dual-finish Lastolite is hard to handle but packs down into a manageable size.

Use a reflector

Do it yourself

This home-made reflector is fine for head-and-shoulders shots, and you can angle the two panels separately for an all-round fill effect.

Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
N-Photo
See more Camera How Tos
Read more
PolarPro LightLeak Lens, 28mm, attached to a Nikon mirrorless camera
Fabulous flare, light leak and dreamy soft edges – I tested PolarPro's unique lenses, and they’re so bad they’re good
best M1-compatible Mac apps
How to remove backgrounds and objects in Adobe Lightroom
Tim holding a Leica
I'm a photographer and went screen-free for a week – here's how it changed my photography experience
Adobe Lightroom
How to edit photos in Adobe Lightroom
A camera next to two infrared photos of a train station and tree
I turned my Fujifilm X-T3 into an infrared wonder – and it's the best photography decision I've made in years
From left to right, the Blurb front cover is noticeably more vibrant and detailed, whereas the detail has been lost on the much darker result of the Snapfish front cover.
The best photo book services, all tested and compared by our experts
Latest in Photography
Two phones on a blue and green background showing the Photopills app planning page for the Perseids meteor shower
How to watch and photograph tonight's Perseid meteor shower
The cover of TechRadar's Papier photo book, featuring a tree in front of an aurora.
Papier Photo Book review: a simple-to-use photo book service, but it offers limited layouts
Tim holding a Leica
I'm a photographer and went screen-free for a week – here's how it changed my photography experience
Images of Luminar Photo Editor in action
Tired of clunky mobile editing? Here’s the AI fix photographers love
Leica Monopan 50
After 100 years making cameras, Leica finally unveils its first-ever 35mm film – the surprisingly affordable Monopan 50
Northern Lights taken with the Nikon Z6 II
Missed the northern lights? Don't worry, scientists predict 50 years of intense activity – here's how to plan your next photo trip
Latest in How Tos
Cowboys vs Eagles
How to watch NFL 2025: free live streams and TV channels
ChatGPT on mobile
I finally got ChatGPT to stop asking 'Want me to…' at the end of every response – here’s how to do it
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates with the winners trophy after defeating Jessica Pegula of the United States to win the Women's Singles Final on Day Thirteen of the 2024 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 07, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.
How to watch US Open 2025: live stream tennis online for FREE, order of play, what TV channel, Day 11
Anker power bank on aeroplane tray table with laptop and person reading a book
I’m a power bank nerd and here are the airline rules you need to know
Puzzle pieces representing memory.
ChatGPT’s best hidden feature is a true game changer – here’s how to turn it on
Spam Callers
How to block spam calls on iPhone
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    The Paper’s early season 2 renewal might reassure The Office fans that they finally have a good spin-off series
  2. 2
    iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro – what are the rumored differences?
  3. 3
    Acer joins Nvidia GB10 superchip fan club with $3,999 Veriton AI mini workstation PC - and yes, you can link two to get even more power
  4. 4
    Amazon is giving your camera an AI-powered shopping cart
  5. 5
    Huawei released an AI SSD which uses a secret sauce to reduce the need for large amounts of expensive HBM

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...