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05/07/2009 12:03:04 PM · #1 |
Hi everyone,
I need a reflector for my portraits. What size do you recommend? I am thinking a larger one (42" or so) would be better in case I shoot a large group.
I was looking at something like this:
//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/552429-REG/Impact_R1842_Reflector_Disc_Collapsible_.html
Thanks,
Michele |
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05/07/2009 12:28:34 PM · #2 |
I have one like this, a 5-way, which covers all your options in one.
You'll need an assistance or a holder, outside they can be a bit of a challenge when it is windy, but they sure are very nice. |
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05/07/2009 12:41:16 PM · #3 |
I use This 5 In 1 from Paul Buff routinely. I also got this from photovision I got the full set from photovision--because they had a huge sale, and I gave part of it to my brother. I would say it is too pricey otherwise. But you could get just the 24 or 32 inch ones--sometimes a smaller reflector is much easier to work with (and the voice-activated, carbon-based reflector holder can see around it to keep the reflection where it needs to be). I hate hate hate the reflector stands!! (the inanimate ones! too flimsy and unstable). I bought a Lastolite Trilite reflector, and have used the Wescott Triflector as well. I love both of those puppies!
Also, snag some white foam core boards, and some black ones (foam core if you can find em, matte poster boards work too). A single front light up and to one side, a reflector to the opposite side, and a white foam core down in front, angled toward the subject, can help you get some fantastic portraits.
Message edited by author 2009-05-07 12:43:40. |
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05/07/2009 12:48:21 PM · #4 |
I use this huge 5 in 1 and I swear by it. I almost always have to have someone holding it or use a reflector holder because it is so big, but it casts a ton of light! When I got it it was cheaper though, it allowed bidding and I managed to get it for less than the buy it now price, but for the size it isn't all that bad. If you get a smaller one, try to get an oval instead of a circular one. I received a large circular one as a gift and it behaves very funny. It is much harder to zip the zipper and the circle starts distorting itself after a while, it is kind of bizarre.
I hope this helps.
Claire |
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05/07/2009 12:57:36 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by lovethelight:
I use this huge 5 in 1 and I swear by it. I almost always have to have someone holding it or use a reflector holder because it is so big, but it casts a ton of light! When I got it it was cheaper though, it allowed bidding and I managed to get it for less than the buy it now price, but for the size it isn't all that bad. If you get a smaller one, try to get an oval instead of a circular one. I received a large circular one as a gift and it behaves very funny. It is much harder to zip the zipper and the circle starts distorting itself after a while, it is kind of bizarre.
I hope this helps.
Claire |
Hi, Claire! :-)
I like the look of that oval style--I have to handle the big round one when I am assisting at the studio, and it is not ideal. I have not use the Lastolite ones with the grips, but would like to try em sometime. The long rectangular shape reflector set seems to have a better aspect ratio for photographing people. Thanks for the link. ;-) |
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05/07/2009 01:45:12 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by chromeydome:
Also, snag some white foam core boards, and some black ones (foam core if you can find em, matte poster boards work too). A single front light up and to one side, a reflector to the opposite side, and a white foam core down in front, angled toward the subject, can help you get some fantastic portraits. |
Chromey, if I'm shooting with an off camera flash mounted on a tripod, do you reckon I position the light behind and to the side of the subject, so when the light fires, it'll hit the reflector/foam core in front of the subject and bounce light back? |
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05/07/2009 01:53:00 PM · #7 |
| I use an umbrella on my light, would I use that in conjunction with bouncing the light? |
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05/07/2009 02:25:22 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by lovethelight:
I use this huge 5 in 1 and I swear by it. I almost always have to have someone holding it or use a reflector holder because it is so big, but it casts a ton of light! When I got it it was cheaper though, it allowed bidding and I managed to get it for less than the buy it now price, but for the size it isn't all that bad. If you get a smaller one, try to get an oval instead of a circular one. I received a large circular one as a gift and it behaves very funny. It is much harder to zip the zipper and the circle starts distorting itself after a while, it is kind of bizarre.
I hope this helps.
Claire |
CRAP!! i just paid 20 bux for a freakin 10" at a local camera shop, i just ordered that set.....39 bux is awesome, thanks claire!
Message edited by author 2009-05-07 16:52:35. |
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05/07/2009 10:19:54 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by Michish:
Originally posted by chromeydome:
Also, snag some white foam core boards, and some black ones (foam core if you can find em, matte poster boards work too). A single front light up and to one side, a reflector to the opposite side, and a white foam core down in front, angled toward the subject, can help you get some fantastic portraits. |
Chromey, if I'm shooting with an off camera flash mounted on a tripod, do you reckon I position the light behind and to the side of the subject, so when the light fires, it'll hit the reflector/foam core in front of the subject and bounce light back? |
Originally posted by Michish:
I use an umbrella on my light, would I use that in conjunction with bouncing the light? |
So, I wouldn't put the main light behind the subject (in general). There are so many possibilities, of course, so ONE setup approach is the umbrella/flash somewhat above, in front of, and slightly to the side. Then you can use a reflector on the opposite side to bounce some of that light back in. I have used either a reflector on the side, or a white foam core in that spot. A white foam core or reflector in front of and below the face, angled back toward it, will throw a soft light back from beneath and soften the shadows. This kind of set up results in a very soft image. I have an example of this, but it is in the Free Study right now, so I can't post it here yet :-) This image was taken with a similar set up--umbrella in front, above, , silver reflectors on the sides and below in front. It also had a large black background.
This one was done with a softbox instead of an umbrella, but it would work with an umbrella, too: in this one, the softbox was directly on image-right, white foam core held on image left and another down in front, angled back:
And this one was done with the light source (this time, also a softbox instead of an umbrella) on the left, and a black board on the image right. In both this one and the one above, the light is not at all behind the model, but the rear, vertical edge of the softbox is at the model, and the rest of the softbox extends forward of the model.
I am learning all this stuff, and I would recommend spending time in  lovethelight's portfolio. She is gifted at this!
Message edited by author 2009-05-07 22:21:55. |
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05/07/2009 10:21:04 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by smardaz:
Originally posted by lovethelight:
I use this huge 5 in 1 and I swear by it. I almost always have to have someone holding it or use a reflector holder because it is so big, but it casts a ton of light! When I got it it was cheaper though, it allowed bidding and I managed to get it for less than the buy it now price, but for the size it isn't all that bad. If you get a smaller one, try to get an oval instead of a circular one. I received a large circular one as a gift and it behaves very funny. It is much harder to zip the zipper and the circle starts distorting itself after a while, it is kind of bizarre.
I hope this helps.
Claire |
CRAP!! i just paid 20 bux for a freakin 10" at a local camera shop, i just ordered that set.....39 bux is awesome, thanks claire! |
No KIDDING!! I just ordered one of these sets, too-- Thanks, Claire!! This will work much better! |
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