AmericanGirlFan

Doll Photography Tips: How I Use A Reflector!

Last time when we talked about photo locations, I was asked about how a reflector works and how to get good lighting with it. I've been using a Neweer Reflector I bought on Amazon and I LOVE it! Before that I used a white foamboard which is also a good alternative. Not until I started using it more frequently did I realize the difference in my photos! Here's a side by side look at Grace above. The one on the left is with the reflector and the right one is without. Both look nice, but as you can see Grace's face is lit and her eyes shine with the reflector. It adds a little more to the photo! :)

Here's what the reflector looks like folded up. It can be used four different ways which is awesome. There is a white side and gold side, but you can unzip it and take off the cover. When you flip the cover inside out, there are two more sides, silver and black; plus the translucent disc inside. I've only experimented with the white and gold so far. The white side gives off a more cool tone and is the trick behind the reflective look in doll eyes. The gold gives off a warm tone that is so pretty during sunset! (I took these photos around 7-8 PM EST, which is the best golden sunlight for me during the Summer.)

To prop up the reflector, I use a plastic outdoor side table and position it based on if I'm taking close-ups or faraway photos. I also sometimes lay it on the ground and prop it up a little with my knee while sitting.

I typically tilt it a bit to the right side to help bounce the light evenly. You just have to play around with it. :)

Grace again with the reflector...

...and without! Can you see the difference?

It takes practice to get the reflector just the way you like it, but it is an inexpensive and fun way to advance your photography. 

Grace is looking oh-so-stylish today! (And, I can't believe she went to the store without me. haha!)

I hope this was helpful to you. I'm constantly learning new things about photography, which is a big reason why I love it so much! I can't wait to do more with my reflector.

If you have a photography question or anything else you'd like me to answer, let me know in a comment or send to [email protected] I'd be happy to talk about it! :) 

Doll Photography Tips: Photo Locations!

I recently got an email from my friend Abby and she asked, "What do you do when you have run out of places to take pictures? I want each of my pictures to be unique, but it feels like I don't have any good places to take my pictures!" Thanks for your question, Abby! Some of you may have thought the same thing, so I thought it would be fun to talk about it today. :)

I take a majority of my photos outside in my backyard. My photo locations change throughout the seasons, but lately I've been using our forsythia bush as a background, trees, fence, and whenever there are flowers I love to sneak those in. An area may not seem unique to you, but it will to others who have never seen it before! 

I've also been loving my Newwer Reflector I bought on Amazon. I used a white foam board for the longest time, but this reflector is amazing and so worth the price! It helps brighten up photos and makes doll eyes sparkle. I have it on the ground sometimes as shown above, or I prop it up a bit with my knee while sitting. I love how it folds up for easy storage too.

What truly makes a photo unique though is the subject, like Julie and Meatloaf here. Sometimes a simple background is best to show off your doll.

Use what you have around and see where your creativity can take you! Being limited of locations doesn't mean you can't take beautiful pictures. Crouch down to your doll's level; an area looks a lot different to us than to an 18 inch doll! :)

I hope this helps! If you have a photography question or anything else you'd like me to answer, let me know in a comment or send to [email protected] I'd be happy to talk about it!