STG Studios

Question about reflectors?

I did a shoot the other day and found the photos were a bit dark and in bad need of a reflector in places, so I have decided to buy one. My questions are:

Hi Mia,

You are wise to do a bit of research before spending your money, it can save you $$$ and help you make intelligent decisions.

1] I would suggest that you start out with a collapsible reflector that comes with one or more zip on covers so that you have more choices on what it will do for you. These usually consist of a flexible, circular metal band with a thin fabric material that forms a white or translucent disc. In many cases you can get them with one or two reversible covers that allow you to create various effects. I usually get ones that come with a black & white cover to get neutral color reflection and to be able to make shadows which can be reversed to a silver & gold cover that provides "cool" or "warm" tones based on which side of the cover you use. When used without any cover it makes a good diffuser to soften light when it is too harsh. You can get these in a variety of sizes but I would suggest starting out with either a 32" or 42" size because 20" or 24" is often too small.

Here is a link to a one of these versatile designs ~

http://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/calumet_32_81cm_translucent_zipdisc_with_cover/rm4020k

2] The reflectors usually have a cloth loop that can be use to hang them from regular light stands or you can clip them to stands with double ended spring clamps. You can buy all kinds of fancy gear and stands to hold them up but there are some very affordable solutions, too. Be aware that reflectors of this type are like big sails and will be surprisingly difficult to handle or hang up and use outdoors if it is windy. One affordable solution to that is to have "limb hooks", used to hang bird feeders off of tree limbs, and some spring clips attached to weighted ropes. Use these to hang the reflector off of any convenient projection, then use the clips to fasten the ropes to the bottom of the reflector and stretch the weights (bags of sand are good) out to either side to hold the reflector in place.

3] The "correct" way to use them is to compose the picture and determine where there is a need to "fill in" the light because shadows appear too dark or to direct more light wherever necessary to smooth or balance light to achieve the result you desire. In other words, "Do what helps you to creates the image you are visualizing". Look at images where you think a reflector could have/did improve an image and study the outcomes, then try to do something similar. Experiment and have fun!

P.S. If you are taking pictures of someone they can often hold a reflector for you. If you need fill light because overhead lights are making shadows, they can hold a reflector facing up below the view of the camera, likewise they can hold one to the side or sit or stand on the edge of the reflector so that light bounces into the shadow areas. And remember sometimes it is easier to move the model than it is to move the reflector.

Hope that helps. Good luck, you can email me if you need more help.

Basic Photography Techniques : Using Reflector in Photography

600W Pro Studio Continuous Daylight Lamp 4 x Bulb Light for Photographic or Video Lighting Pro Studio Continuous Daylight Lamp with four bulbs. Highly efficient and energy saving, this lamp with its four spiral 26W daylight bulbs gives out a pure daylight illumination equivalent to 600W. The lamp unit is fitted with a 15" mirror face reflector to maximise the reflection of light onto the subject being lit. A removable front diffuser is included to diffuse a soft bright light....

Ex-Pro - [Combination Pack] Professional Photography Light Reflector Stand for Photo reflectors (Holder) (Stand - Max Height 800cm / Min Height 1800cm) (Arm Length max 120cm / Min Length 98cm) plus Ex-Pro 5 -in- 1 Photographic Light Reflector - 42 Silver, Gold, Black, White & Translucent, Collapsible. £51.97 Combination package :- Ex-Pro - Professional Photography Light Reflector Stand for Photo stand (Holder). Allows Ex-Pro (or other brand) light reflectors to be used in studio without human holding ! - Stand allows the photo reflective disc to be clamped into place and angled to required reflection direction using adjustable height and arm. You don't always have to use the reflector as a flat disk. ...

Ex-Pro - Professional Photography Light Reflector Stand for Photo refelctors (Holder) (Stand - Max Height 180cm / Min Height 80cm) (Arm Length max 120cm / Min Length 98cm) £36.97 Ex-Pro - Professional Photography Light Reflector Stand for Photo stand (Holder). Allows Ex-Pro (or other brand) light reflectors to be used in studio without human holding ! - Stand allows the photo reflective disc to be clamped into place and angled to required reflection direction using adjustable height and arm. You don't always have to use the reflector as a flat disk. Once you place it in th...

Ex-Pro 5 -in- 1 Photographic Light Reflector - 42 (110cm) Silver, Gold, Black, White & Translucent, Collapsible. £15.97 Whatever your needs, the reflector will add vibrant colour a clarity to your subject with the Ex-Pro 5 - in - 1 Package including 5 different side reflectors, Silver, Gold, Black, White & Translucent plus a pouch for storage, the unit collapses away to less than 50% of the diameter for easy storage or portability. Silver increases the spectacular highlights and yields a high-contrast image. It's p...

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