Reflectors for portraits

[GaryS]

I have a little 12" reflector that I use for adding light to small subjects. Its white on one side, golden on the other, and it folds up to 1/3 its size for storage.

I'm looking at picking up a bigger one for portraits. Something about 36" or so, that folds down small. There seem to be two kinds. One type is like my little one... 2 colours, tautly strung, and you can't shine light through it. The second type has zippered coverings that you can remove, and each covering is 2 sided. If you remove the coverings, you can flash through it to get a softer light....

Any opinions or thoughts on these two types? If leaning toward the second type, as its more versatile.... Any comments on size?

Thanks guys.

[BBPhoto]

Dusty - I guess size is largely dependent on your personal requirements for portability but I would think that 36 inches would be more than adequate for most portrait work. I have used both types and I find the second, semi-opaque type very well suited for portraits. It's great for softening and diffusing light.

[Rhys]

I use a large piece of white foamboard from Michaels. $2.99 per board and they're about 36" by 24". Cheap, cheerful, replaceable and brilliant white.

[Rooz]

I have a little 12" reflector that I use for adding light to small subjects. Its white on one side, golden on the other, and it folds up to 1/3 its size for storage.

I'm looking at picking up a bigger one for portraits. Something about 36" or so, that folds down small. There seem to be two kinds. One type is like my little one... 2 colours, tautly strung, and you can't shine light through it. The second type has zippered coverings that you can remove, and each covering is 2 sided. If you remove the coverings, you can flash through it to get a softer light....

Any opinions or thoughts on these two types? If leaning toward the second type, as its more versatile.... Any comments on size?

Thanks guys.

the flash thru works really well for softer portraits. you need a strong strobe though. my sb600 doesn;t work nearly as well as the sb800 using this technique. is this for remote on-the-field work or in a home studio setup ?

[GaryS]

I want it for work in the field. I'll pick up a home studio lighting kit someday...

I don't think I will shoot through it very often, I want it more as a sun reflector or shade as required.

[Rooz]

option 2 is the go then. its excellent for reflecting sun. try and get one with a gold face in the pack aswell. sunset light with a gold reflector onto a person looks fantastic. if it was home studio, rhys's suggestion is a better option imo.

[TheObiJuan]

Amvona on ebay sells 5-in-1 reflectors for cheap.
I had one arrive today. ;)

[GaryS]

Thanks everyone.

I went to pick one up tonight from the local computer store... they wanted $99 CDN for it. I declined to buy.

Just ordered one from ebay for $35 (incl shipping). I really want to support the local shops, but thats just too big a difference for me.

[Rooz]

Thanks everyone.

I went to pick one up tonight from the local computer store... they wanted $99 CDN for it. I declined to buy.

Just ordered one from ebay for $35 (incl shipping). I really want to support the local shops, but thats just too big a difference for me.

i did exactly the same with flash stands, umbrellas and hotshoe adaptors recently. the prices they were asking locally were ridiculous. we're talking 5-8x more expensive for low end, unbranded home studio stuff. that really pisses me off cos its not like they're gear was NOT from china.

all i can say is thank God for ebay.

[TheObiJuan]

all i can say is thank God for ebay.

Quoted for truth.
I love ebay for small purchases.