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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Reflectors - what works, and how?
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 11/17/2005 04:01:46 PM · #1
I did some senior photos recently, and (unfortunately) it was a sunny day and the pics are substandard to me. I know a reflector would have helped a LOT - so I need to get one i suppose...

What size? (I figure a collapsible one)
I have used white and silver in the studio to bounce light, and white works for me, silver sucks (for me). I have seen lots of gold..and I've never used one outside....Any input on color, and outside use?

I assume I need a person to hold/direct the reflector. How difficult is this? I mean, can i use the mother or friend? (my kids are too little and hiring help is way beyond what i want to get into)

TIA
chris
 11/17/2005 04:02:43 PM · #2
Use fill flash.
 11/17/2005 04:09:16 PM · #3
Originally posted by Nikolai1024:
Use fill flash.


I'd have to concur with the fill flash.

If you can have the model in shadow, but still have the background brightly lit, shooting the model with fill add a lot of pop to your portrait.

As for reflectors, silver is too cold, gold is too warm. I prefer white. But, fill flash (preferably with a pocket bouncer) is my first choice.

Message edited by author 2005-11-17 16:21:15.
 11/17/2005 04:22:27 PM · #4
Good idea, but two issues... a) tried it and no go for two reasons 1) the f**n' flash was not cooperating(see note) and 2) look at this shot:

ANY flash will blow out the left side of the face completely

b) fill only works with cloudy days or backlighting. Won't work with sidelighting as in above.

Also, most reflectors seem to have a scrim(proper term?) - a translucent white screen that can be used to block or diffuse the sun and then perhas fill flash can be used.

NOTE: I think I have the flash issue solved..either a bad battery (batt meter read fine, would fire with test button. However, the e_TTL was dead and Auto would only work 1 in 3 tries)
 11/17/2005 04:23:32 PM · #5
48" collapsible soft gold/white by Impact for $32.95 USD

42" collapsible 5-in-1 reflector by Impact for $59.95 USD

I use anything from fill flash to reflectors to taking strobes out and shooting outdoors. The reflectors have some usefulness to them in that you can direct light (if you have about 10 minutes to show somoene how ot use it and wait while they play long enough to get a handle on it); they also don't require batteries, they're inexpensive, easy to transport and store.

I've used an associate's soft gold reflector and liked the slight warmth that was imparted; often my silver washes out the subject too much for the amount of light I want, the gold warms the subject up too much and the white just doesn't seem to reflect as much with any amount of distance involved (which is one way to change the intensity).

Strobe


Fill flash


Reflector


Kev
 11/17/2005 04:31:02 PM · #6
Thanks Kevin.
I went and ordered this. Seems reflectors come in 22" or so, 32" or so and BIG. 32 seems to be a fair compromise. It is the smaller version of the 42 you pointed out. I feel about the same as you regarding silver.

I did just discover something very dangerous..B&H will take PayPal! Now I can buy and sell and get lots of new toys and the better half will never know bwahahaha!
11/17/2005 05:15:26 PM · #7
Kevin, I'm curious if your fill flash photo was done with the Lightsphere.
That's a beautiful photo!

Linda
 11/17/2005 05:37:57 PM · #8
You can also use a big white reflector to create on the sunny side.
 11/17/2005 06:54:57 PM · #9
Originally posted by lhall:
Kevin, I'm curious if your fill flash photo was done with the Lightsphere.
That's a beautiful photo!

Linda


Linda,

Thanks for the compliment. That photo was shot using the 550EX aimed straight up into the LumiQuest ProMax 80/20 pocket bounce with silver insert ($39.95 USD from B&H).

Kev
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