Circular or 5-sided panel with reflective surface — bounces available light into shadows and fill areas. Fastest, cheapest way to control fill without rigging lights.
On set, a reflector functions like an invisible assistant: it catches existing light—whether from the sun, an HMI, or a spotlight—and bounces it back in a controlled manner into shadow areas. This makes it the most important tool against harsh backlight and deep eye shadows, without requiring an additional power connection. Professionals use them daily because the physics are simple: light hits a reflective surface, angle in = angle out.
The surface determines the character of the fill light. Silver—usually Mylar or specially coated plywood—reflects hard and focused, ideal when you need a strong fill and the distance to the face is significant. Gold warms the light slightly, creating a softer, skin-flattering effect—portraits, beauty shots, classic Hollywood feel. White is the safest option: diffuse, gentle fill light without surprises, perfect for tight spaces and when you need control over intensity. Black—often the reverse side—absorbs light instead of reflecting it; you use it to darken highlights or sharpen contrast.
Practical on set: The reflector is a tool for fine-tuning. If the sun is too harsh from the front and your actor has dark eye sockets, position a large silver reflector close to the ground on the opposite side—two to three meters away, depending on the reflector's size and desired fill intensity. Small handheld reflectors (60–80 cm) are needed for close-ups and facial details, large frames (120–150 cm) for full body shots and wider scenes. An assistant holds it, or you mount it on a C-stand. The angle is crucial—every small turn changes the light direction. With a little experience, you'll become a light juggler working without generators.
The best part: Reflector light is always natural, consistent, and can be adjusted in seconds. Unlike artificial sources (see Artificial Light, HMI), it has no color cast issues and produces the same soft or hard character as the original light source itself. For documentary, reality, and fast-paced TV productions, this is worth its weight in gold—literally.