How to Use a 110x150cm 5-in-1 Light Reflector for Portraits

By Mthuli Cameras And Accessories | Published: 2026-10-28

Category: How-to Guides

Learn step-by-step techniques to use a 110x150cm 5-in-1 reflector for flattering portrait lighting, including positioning, surface selection, and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick Answer

To use a 110x150cm 5-in-1 reflector for portraits, position it opposite your key light to fill shadows, choose the surface based on the mood you want, and adjust the distance to control contrast.

Why Size and Surface Matter

The 110x150cm size gives you a large reflective area, which means softer, more even fill light that wraps around your subject. This is especially helpful for head-and-shoulders portraits or group shots where you need to cover more area without harsh hotspots.

Each of the five surfaces—white, silver, gold, black, and diffusion—serves a different purpose. White gives a soft, natural fill; silver adds punch and contrast; gold warms up skin tones; black creates shadows or subtracts light; and diffusion softens harsh sunlight or artificial light. Knowing when to switch surfaces is key to controlling the mood of your portrait.

Trade-offs: Reflector vs. Additional Light

A reflector is a passive tool—it only bounces existing light. Unlike a flash or continuous light, it won't add light where there is none. In low-light situations, you may need to combine it with a window or artificial light source. However, it's lightweight, portable, and doesn't require batteries or power, making it ideal for on-location shoots where you want to keep gear minimal.

Step-by-Step Reflector Setup for Portraits

Position the reflector opposite your key light: Place the reflector on the shadow side of your subject, angled toward them. The light from your key source will bounce back to fill in shadows. Start with the reflector at arm's length from the subject, then move it closer to brighten the fill or farther away for more contrast. Check that the reflected light is hitting the subject's face, not the background.
Choose the right surface for your desired effect: For a soft, natural look, use the white surface. For a brighter, more contrasty fill, use silver. Use gold to warm up skin tones in shade or overcast conditions. Use black to add shadows or subtract light from one side. Use diffusion to soften harsh sunlight by placing it between the sun and your subject. Test each surface quickly to see which flatters your subject's skin tone best.
Adjust the angle and distance: Tilt the reflector up or down to control where the bounced light lands. Moving it closer increases the fill intensity; moving it away softens the effect. For a dramatic look, position it closer to the shadow side to create a stronger contrast. Watch the catchlights in the eyes—if they disappear, adjust the angle.
Use diffusion to soften harsh light: When shooting in direct sunlight, hold the diffusion panel between the sun and your subject to create a soft, shadowless light. This works well for close-up portraits and reduces squinting. Have an assistant hold the diffusion panel steady to avoid uneven softening.
Practice with a single light source: Set up with just one window or a single speedlight, then add the reflector to see how it changes the shadows. This helps you learn how the reflector behaves before combining it with multiple lights. Take a test shot with and without the reflector to see the difference clearly.

Gear to Consider

Light Reflector 5 in 1 110 x 150cm for sale: The Light Reflector 5 in 1 measures 110 cm × 150 cm and offers five interchangeable reflective surfaces: white, silver, gold, black, and diffusion. This size covers a wide area for even lighting, and the multiple surfaces let you adapt quickly to different lighting conditions without carrying extra gear.
Light Reflector 5 in 1 110 x 150cm for sale