Portable light reflectors

ceemac · Jul 25, 2018

What kind of light reflectors work best for outdoor portrait photography. Ones that are easily collapsible. Do you use stands?
thanks

tirediron · Jul 25, 2018

The 42", 5 in 1, circular is probably the most common; I personally prefer my 40x60 as it's both larger and easier to hold. In my experience reflector stands are not terribly effective out of doors, since it actually requires a fairly precise degree of control to get the maximum benefit from a reflector; a VAL* is best. I generally prefer the white or silver depending on the degree of specularity desired. Almost anything will work though; a sheet of white Styrofoam, piece of cardstock, even a white t-shirt.

*Voice Activated Lightstand

smoke665 · Jul 25, 2018

Since I'm generally on my own, I first like to dig a trench and pour a 24x24x16 foundation to provide support for the stud wall that I build to hold the Da&^% big reflector that is constantly blowing everywhere in the wind!!!!

adamhiram · Jul 25, 2018

+1 for a basic 42" circular 5-in-1 reflector. I have one from Westcott that was about $40, but they can be found for half that if you go with Neewer, or even less if you go real cheap. I also use a Flashpoint ball head reflector holder that attaches to any standard light stand, since I don't have an assistant, but keep in mind you may need sandbags when used outside. My only complaint is that I wish the white and silver sides were visible at the same time without having to unzip and convert anything, since I never really use the other colors.

ceemac · Jul 25, 2018

tirediron said:
*Voice Activated Lightstand

haha I actually googled it.

jcdeboever · Jul 25, 2018

I bought a stand and used it once with my 40-60. Wind got under it and it took off like a helicopter and landed in a tree. A little teenager (he haggled with me for a $10 fee) came by after some time and climbed up the tree for me to retrieve the reflector. The stand broke when it hit the tree or the ground. I was a little frustrated, embarrassed, and felt swindled by the nimble, pimpled teen.

mrca · Jul 25, 2018

If any wind, the smallest that will do the job. In no wind, I like a 3x6' that has angled legs with sand bags. No assistant needed. I have a cross piece on it so can position it with one hand. It is always on the shadow side in studio. A silver white cover is perfect but also have a black white for subtraction or in studio, to eliminated light bouncing around. If minimal wind, the 40" held by an assistant or passerby. More wind, I like the trigrips have less wind resistance. If no wind, I have a 6.5" with b/w, silver/white and translucent and can be hung on 2 stands to soften or eliminate light. In mid day, if I don't want to hand the 6 footer, I have a translucent umbrella that can be held over subjects head to eliminate racoon eye and the assistant can hold a trigrip in the other hand as a main.