I Want A Reflector

[snerd]

1. State your budget - $25.14 to 57.93


2. State what you have currently - Nada, zip, zilch, zero, big goose egg


3. State your intentions - Mostly humanoids in natural lighting


4. State your skill level - Beginner


5. Do some research before hand - Seems the Neewer 5 in 1 is very popular, but heard that maybe only silver/white is needed?


I've watched a few videos on using a reflector. Such a simple instrument for better lighting! I watched one guy using only the sliver/white model. He stated never to reflect the silver or gold side into a subject's face. Later, watched an Adorama video, guy pulls up a gold reflector............... right into the model's face LOL!! Anyhoo.......... what's the skinny on usage, brands and favorites?

 

[IzzieK]

I think I have a Westcott...It works very well on my product shot attempts...I am also still learning all these stuffs so I can only tell you what I have and what I know (which is not much) but I know what I like...getting it right is the problem...

 

[JoeW]

1. State your budget - $25.14 to 57.93


2. State what you have currently - Nada, zip, zilch, zero, big goose egg


3. State your intentions - Mostly humanoids in natural lighting


4. State your skill level - Beginner


5. Do some research before hand - Seems the Neewer 5 in 1 is very popular, but heard that maybe only silver/white is needed?


I've watched a few videos on using a reflector. Such a simple instrument for better lighting! I watched one guy using only the sliver/white model. He stated never to reflect the silver or gold side into a subject's face. Later, watched an Adorama video, guy pulls up a gold reflector............... right into the model's face LOL!! Anyhoo.......... what's the skinny on usage, brands and favorites?

I've got a bunch of reflectors, each by a different maker, each a different size. I don't have a favorite--which one I use depends on if it's going in carry-on, indoors, outside, and what I need to do with it. Different horses for different courses....

1. The Neewer 5 in 1 is good b/c one of the "5" is actually a scrim (that you can use to diffuse a speed light or the sun if it's a bright day).
2. If all you're looking to do is even out some light on a bright day (or when someone is backlight by the sun) and it's outdoors, then get a small gold/silver reflector.
3. For indoors (if you shoot a lot of portraits) I suggest you get a honking big piece of poster board. It stores easily, works superbly as a reflector and is fine...if you're indoors shooting in the same location repeatedly.
4. Don't forget the value of wearing a white shirt or white polo. For close-up portraits, it serves as a reflector.

 

[sscarmack]

I have one and never used it :/

 

[snerd]

I have one and never used it :/

Because you use fill-flash more and don't need to? Or just didn't get the results you expected?

 

[ronlane]

It's at the top end of your budget, but the 5-in-1's are great. I got another brand locally with a stand and arm to hold it, but that cost about $100.

 

[sscarmack]

I have one and never used it :/

Because you use fill-flash more and don't need to? Or just didn't get the results you expected?

The truth...Call me lazy haha

I honestly forget I even have one. I shoot more natural light, and usually throw the sb900 on top, and turn it on the lowest setting (just so people know I'm taking a photo) (I hate being asked, "Did you get it?" a hundred times haha).


I could probably really benefit from using one since all I do anymore is natural, maybe I'll give it a try this weekend.

 

[Designer]

I think the main advantage with those fold-up reflectors is that they fold up. Easier to fit into a bag. But they are not very big, as reflectors go. So I guess it depends on how you want to use it. Do you intend to carry it around a lot and take portraits outdoors? If so, then get the fold-up kind.

If, on the other hand, you mainly shoot in a "studio", then my recommendation is to get some big sheets of white foamcore. They're cheap, flat, and if you slide them in behind your dresser, they store quite easily.

Regardless of what reflectors you get, the other main consideration is how to hold them. I've had some experience with asking people to hold the foamcore, but they get really sloppy, and don't hold it just exactly how I positioned it. So then the light is not actually reflected onto the model.

I've got some light stands, but 1.) they are not easily adapted to holding large sheets of foamcore, and 2.) I don't always take the light stands with me when going someplace.

As to what color of reflector; I think gold would be fine if you want to warm up someone's natural color. But then you can do that in post anyway. I think the better deciding factor would be to match/enhance the light color.

 

[snerd]

It's at the top end of your budget, but the 5-in-1's are great. I got another brand locally with a stand and arm to hold it, but that cost about $100.

Yes, I saw the stands also. And, probably not having an assistant most of the time, it would be a very good idea.

 

[snerd]

I honestly forget I even have one. I shoot more natural light, and usually throw the sb900 on top, and turn it on the lowest setting (just so people know I'm taking a photo) (I hate being asked, "Did you get it?" a hundred times haha).

I could probably really benefit from using one since all I do anymore is natural, maybe I'll give it a try this weekend.

Well, get it out and use it! And be sure to post back here how it worked out for your shots.!

 

[ronlane]

It's at the top end of your budget, but the 5-in-1's are great. I got another brand locally with a stand and arm to hold it, but that cost about $100.

Yes, I saw the stands also. And, probably not having an assistant most of the time, it would be a very good idea.

Honestly, I use the stand to hold my OCF more than the reflector but when I need it, it sure helps.

 

[snerd]

I think the main advantage with those fold-up reflectors is that they fold up. Easier to fit into a bag. But they are not very big, as reflectors go. So I guess it depends on how you want to use it. Do you intend to carry it around a lot and take portraits outdoors? If so, then get the fold-up kind.

If, on the other hand, you mainly shoot in a "studio", then my recommendation is to get some big sheets of white foamcore. They're cheap, flat, and if you slide them in behind your dresser, they store quite easily.

It will be just about ALL outdoor use. No studio, yet.

Regardless of what reflectors you get, the other main consideration is how to hold them. I've had some experience with asking people to hold the foamcore, but they get really sloppy, and don't hold it just exactly how I positioned it. So then the light is not actually reflected onto the model.

I've got some light stands, but 1.) they are not easily adapted to holding large sheets of foamcore, and 2.) I don't always take the light stands with me when going someplace.

The stands made to hold the reflectors are probably the way to go for me, but I'm sure the wind around this area would make it a hassle.

As to what color of reflector; I think gold would be fine if you want to warm up someone's natural color. But then you can do that in post anyway. I think the better deciding factor would be to match/enhance the light color.

Yeah, the videos I watched, a couple of them the shooter's only dislike of the 5-1 was that he had to constantly be zipping and unzipping the thing, when they mainly just used the white/silver, which there is no combo like that on the 5-1.

Thanks for the ideas so far, everyone.

 

[snerd]

Honestly, I use the stand to hold my OCF more than the reflector but when I need it, it sure helps.

My first thought as well, but I'd have to buy a trigger for my speedlite 430ex ii. This way is cheaper in the short run.

 

[kundalini]

I think the 5-n-1 kits are a good place to start if you're trying to improve outdoor photography and is one of those items that everyone should have in their bag. They're cheap and effective, but a PITA to use solo because of their shape. Also, the gold side is generally too strong IMO and make your (human) subjects look jaundiced.

Yes, I saw the stands also. And, probably not having an assistant most of the time, it would be a very good idea.

Perhaps in the future you can up your budget because it's a bit more dosh, but, again IMO, Lastolite's TriGrip line of reflectors/diffusers are a step above, particularly without an assistant. I'm assuming one of the first things you wish to rectify with outdoor portraits sans flash unit is to remove raccoon eyes from your subjects. Shooting one-handed and holding one of those round sails can be difficult. The TriGrip has an actual handle which fits nicely in your hand and can also be easily clamped to a stand. You can choose from 18", 30" or 48". I also have the cover kit which will give you options that are not available in the typical 5-n-1. I really like the Softsilver and Sunlit covers because of their subtle differences from the norm silver and gold.

For Instance:

 

[runnah]

I have a photoflex 5-1 that I use. Frankly I never use the gold side, but the silver and white sides are nice. I've use the transparent bit as a makeshift soft box with good results.