Portrait photography is one of the most diverse styles of photography out there, but every portrait pro has a few go-to pieces of gear to execute a flattering, compelling picture. Light is crucial when it comes to portraiture and these pieces of gear will help you execute during your next shoot.
A simple reflector can work wonders in so-so lighting conditions. This 5-in-1 version from Neewer gives photographers five surface options to create specific effects. The white reflector is handy for filling shadows on sunny days. . Gold can replicate golden hour shooting or warm up a subject. Silver creates a bright, neutral fill, while black works as a flag that blocks unwanted light and cuts reflections. The whole package collapses down to a fraction if its size, so it’s easy to pack.
A ring light might seem like a very specialized piece of lighting equipment, but it provides striking results when shooting portraits. The circular source offers a flattering, even light on a subject and a signature ring-shaped catchlight in the eyes. This version from Neewer is great for beginners. It comes with an 18-inch, 55W, 5500K dimmable LED light, a 61-inch stand, snap-on color filters to adjust the temperature of the light, a ball-head adapter, and a universal power adapter. It’s also affordable, which is important for a tool you won’t use every day.
A softbox is a go-to lighting modifier for many high-end portraitists. These light-diffusing tools reduce contrast and shadows in a scene and can conceal problem skin. In many ways a softbox mimics the light cast by a nice big north facing window. They come in a variety of sizes, but generally speaking, the bigger the box, the softer the light. This small version works with a speedlight and is great for shooting portraits with a single person.
A gel is a thin piece of colored acetate that can either correct the color of the scene, or add a striking pop of unnatural color into a scene. Gels can be a fun addition to a portrait session as they can add drama and create a more editorial look. This pack is designed to work with a speedlite and includes twenty different filters and a clever gel-band attachment to keep them attached to your flash while you work.