Reflectors are great for fixing odd shadows. If the light is directly behind the subject, using a reflector directly in front of the subject will help prevent a silhouette. If the light is coming from one side, using a reflector on the opposite side will help fill in the shadows.

Is a reflector necessary?

The most traditional use of a reflector is to simply reflect light into the shadows. ... Of course, you may not always want to fill in the shadows in this way, but if you are trying to flatter someone it almost always helps. You don't even need an official photo reflector. Anything that reflects light will work.

Do reflectors absorb light?

A silver and white reflector adds light to a scene whereas a black reflector — or fabric— absorbs light. This will give an illusion that light is being taken away from a scene.