A reflector is any surface or material from which light can bounce back. In photography, reflectors are often white, silver, or gray cards, discs, or panels used to redirect light from a main source into shadowed areas, balancing exposure and softening harsh shadows.
Reflectors are widely used in portrait, fashion, and product photography to enhance lighting, add highlights, and control contrast without introducing additional light sources. By carefully positioning a reflector, photographers can improve depth, dimension, and overall image quality in both studio and natural light settings.