Learn How to Bounce Light with These Helpful Tips

What is a Bounce Light?

A bounce light is a lighting technique used in photography and videography to control and modify the direction, intensity, and quality of light by redirecting it off a reflective surface.

Instead of shining a light source directly at the subject, the light is aimed at a reflective surface like a wall, ceiling, reflector panel, or another surface designed for this purpose.

The reflective surface then diffuses and redirects the light onto the subject, creating softer, more even, and flattering illumination.

Why Use a Bounce Light?

1. Softening Light: Bouncing light off a surface diffuses it, reducing harsh shadows and creating a gentle, flattering illumination. This is especially useful in portrait photography to achieve a soft, flattering look.
2. Even Lighting: Bounce lights help to create more even and balanced lighting across a scene, reducing the contrast between highlights and shadows. This can be advantageous in product photography, interiors, and other scenarios where uniform lighting is desired.
3. Reducing Glare and Harshness: Bounce lighting can reduce glare and harsh highlights that might occur when shining a light source directly at a subject or object. It produces a more natural and pleasing result.
4. Controlling Direction: By adjusting the angle and position of the reflective surface, photographers and videographers can control the direction from which the bounced light illuminates the subject. This provides creative control over the final look of the shot.
5. Versatility: Bounce lighting can be applied in various settings, from using natural sunlight bouncing off walls to using studio strobes or speedlights with bounce reflectors. Different types of reflective surfaces and light sources can be combined to achieve specific lighting effects.
6. Color Temperature: The color temperature of the bounced light can be influenced by the color and material of the reflective surface. For example, white surfaces create neutral light, while gold or silver surfaces can add warmth or contrast.

Helpful Tips on Bounce Lights 

Bouncing light is a valuable technique in photography and videography that can help you achieve better lighting conditions and create visually pleasing effects. Here are some helpful tips to learn how to bounce light effectively:

1. Understand the Basics:
   • Bouncing light involves redirecting existing light sources, such as natural sunlight or artificial lights, to achieve more diffused, softer, or flattering lighting.
   • The key is to use a reflective surface, like a wall, ceiling, reflector, or even a piece of foam board, to bounce the light in the desired direction.
2. Choose the Right Surface:
   • The choice of the surface you bounce light off of will greatly impact the quality of light. Different surfaces will produce varying degrees of diffusion and warmth.
   • White surfaces, such as walls or ceilings, provide soft, neutral light.
   • Silver or metallic surfaces can add a bit of sparkle and brightness to the bounced light.
   • Gold surfaces add warmth and a flattering tone to the light.
3. Position Your Bounce Surface:
   • The angle and position of your bounce surface relative to the light source and subject are crucial.
   • To soften harsh shadows and create even lighting, position your bounce surface between the light source and the subject.
   • Experiment with different angles and positions to achieve the desired effect.
4. Use Reflectors:
   • Reflectors are handy tools designed specifically for bouncing light. They come in various sizes, shapes, and colors.
   • Hold the reflector in a way that allows it to catch and redirect light towards your subject.
   • Reflectors with a white side are versatile for softening light, while gold and silver sides add warmth and contrast.
5. Watch for Color Temperature:
   • Pay attention to the color temperature of the light source and the bounce surface. Mixing light sources with different color temperatures can lead to color imbalances in your photos or videos.
   • Adjust the white balance settings on your camera or editing software to correct color issues.
6. Experiment with Distance:
   • The distance between your subject, the bounce surface, and the light source affects the intensity and quality of bounced light.
   • Moving the bounce surface closer to the subject will create softer, more diffused light.
   • Experiment with various distances to achieve the desired lighting effect.
7. Modify Light Intensity:
   • To control the intensity of bounced light, you can use reflectors or bounce cards with varying levels of reflectivity.
   • Alternatively, you can adjust the distance between the bounce surface and the light source.
8. Consider Light Sources:
   • Different light sources, such as natural sunlight, strobes, continuous lights, or speedlights, will produce varying results when bounced.
   • Each light source has its own characteristics, so experiment with different sources to see which works best for your specific situation.

Remember that mastering the art of bouncing light takes time and practice. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. With patience and experimentation, you can achieve beautiful and well-lit photos and videos.

More Bounce Light Techniques

Bouncing light is helpful when you just need a little adjustment to the intensity of a light, especially if you're working in a confined space and can't move the lights further away from your subject. Pros use this technique often because it softens a subject's face by diffusing light to give them a more natural, even look.

Though it can certainly be used to light subjects, remember that it's also used to create atmosphere. Cinematographer Conrad Hall describes the light that is bounced off of walls, ceilings, floors, and other surfaces as "room tone," so it's important to pay close attention to not only what bounced light can do for your subjects, but what it can do to create the mood/tone/atmosphere in a particular scene.