In keeping with the lighting motif, this month's challenge is reflected light. Reflected light in photography is often used to soften shadows, fill in dark areas, or boost lighting by bouncing a light source—sunlight or flash—off surfaces like reflectors, walls, concrete, or clothing. Position reflectors opposite the main light source, bringing them closer for stronger fill, particularly for portraiture or still lifes, to create soft lighting. 

• Controlling Intensity: Move the reflector closer for more intense, bright light, and further away for softer, more subtle filling.
• Using Natural Reflectors: Utilize surrounding white walls, concrete, or sand to bounce light.
• Flash Techniques: Instead of direct flash, aim your speedlight at a white ceiling or wall to create softer, ambient light.

Reflector Surface Options

• White: Provides soft, natural, and neutral fill light.
• Silver: Offers a stronger, more intense, and cooler, high-contrast light.
• Gold: Produces a warm, sunny glow, ideal for adding warmth to portraits.

Reflectors aren't just for portraits. Pretty much anything you want to shoot: Still lifes, flowers, macro (especially macro), and even foreground interest in a scenic.

Play around with your reflector to visually see the effects (near, far, low, high, etc). You don't need to spend a lot of money on commercially available reflectors. White foamcore from the dollar store works well for soft fill light. I remember when shooting a wedding, I grabbed a groomsman wearing a bright white shirt and used him as a reflector! I've used cheap aluminum drip trays (also from the dollar store) when I want more contrast and/or specular highlights.

These 5-in-1 reflectors can be purchased on Amazon or eBay for very reasonable prices. I have two or three different sizes: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l2632.R2.TR2.TRC1.A0.H0.X5+in+1+reflecto.TRS0&_nkw=5+in+1+reflector&_sacat=30078

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=5+in+1+reflector&crid=1A7XDXN9F5SCK&sprefix=5+in+1+reflectors%2Caps%2C186&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker_ci_tech-br-left_1_17

If you buy one of these, try them all with your subject. (The gold side really warms things up!) There's even a diffusion panel for controlling contrast. Remember, the whole idea of Challenge Night is to learn new things! I've attached a link to the recording of an Ed Night I did on natural light that covers a lot about reflectors and diffusers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx1V9iyCKKU

Jerry