Finally used my reflector!

I got my reflector for Christmas last year, and haven't ever used it. I guess it was just that I never had anyone to hold it for me, so I just never bothered. Not to mention, I just never thought of it ;) But yesterday, I finally gave it a shot, seeing as how the sun was in and out of the clouds, and I really wanted some shots with the fall colors finally popping out. It was definitely helpful with the lighting conditions yesterday. I can definitely see myself using it again :)

I'd love any and all feedback you'd like to give on these! I don't have the settings at the moment, but they were all shot with my 55-250mm probably all at 250mm to get the background compression that I love with long lenses. I just hate how far back I had to stand.

#1
Tear this one apart for the chops all you want...I LOVE this one ;)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8...a339e534_z.jpg
IMG_6521-3web by Stephanie.Miller, on Flickr

#2
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8...0f118089_z.jpg
IMG_6523-3web by Stephanie.Miller, on Flickr

#3
More chops...still love ;)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8...f9fae4b4_z.jpg
IMG_6508-4web by Stephanie.Miller, on Flickr

#4
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8186/8...f5639257_z.jpg
IMG_6534-3web by Stephanie.Miller, on Flickr

#5
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8191/8...e3ec64e4_z.jpg
IMG_6544-3web by Stephanie.Miller, on Flickr

Where was the sun, and where was the reflector? I should probably know that by looking, but I don't. It looks like the sun was probably behind him and to his right (your left)? And the reflector lighting up the left side of his face?

I like the lighting in #3 the best. It's really beautiful, soft and beautifully done, with some nice subtle added brightness to the left side of his face. #5 is also very nice. Those are also my favourite in terms of expression -- really beautifully done!

The other ones, I honestly can't say I can tell the difference from your other images; but then, that's probably a good thing, in the sense that you've created some nice light very subtlely with the reflector and gotten the most out of the available light by using the reflector. But as you very well know, I'm no pro at all, so someone else can probably give you a lot better feedback than that!!

Thank you! For #3, I had the reflector resting on a nearby bush. Jackson wanted to hold it, but I made him stop because he kept moving too much ;) I also tried resting the reflector on the ground. I believe all of the others were with the reflector on the ground directly in front of him. The little "mound" in front of him hid it. It also hid the fact that he wasn't wearing any shoes ha!

You're right on the position of the sun. To the back and camera left.

Love the autumn colours in these.

I can see why you love #1. Colour and clarity great and he looks great. You chopped his fingers but I wouldn't have noticed if not looking.

The light in his eyes in #3 is beautiful

These are soooo good! LOVE the fall color and the expressions you caught! I really can't say there is anything wrong. You already know about the chops, but that's it. I think everything is pretty spot on. I am very impressed at his natural expressions!

Beautiful shots, were they taken in your yard? If so you seem to have a nice piece of property.

Well, I guess technically it's not my yard, but it's undeveloped land in the back just off of our property line. The lighting isn't completely ideal, but seems to be pretty good this time of year in the evening. I loved our back yard in IL. It was absolutely perfect for taking photos.