Reflectors...What do you use?

[EDad]

I want to use a reflector to fill in shadows for both indoor and outdoor portraits (waist & up).

I don't have an extra body to help, so I need one that can be attached to a stand? Any suggestions?

[scotgasch]

Almost any reflector can be attached to a stand with the proper holder. I am sure if you do a search at B&H you will get a few of them to look at.

Me, I personally use the "Touch of Warmth" reflector sold by Don "Big Daddy" Blair. It gives the normally "cool" light of strobes and shade a little bit of warmth.

[robertwgross]

I want to use a reflector to fill in shadows for both indoor and outdoor portraits (waist & up).

I don't have an extra body to help, so I need one that can be attached to a stand?

My first job in photography was to hold the reflector for the pro.

Now, when I use a reflector, I just use either a light stand or a tripod and a five foot piece of stiff steel wire.

---Bob Gross---

[scottbergerphoto]

Photoflex makes some beautiful white/silver, white/gold reflectors in different sizes. They are circular. They fold up into frisbee size discs that go into a nice nylon case. Very portable.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=S earchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=photoflex+reflector
Scott

[Yance]

All reflectors require a separate holder to attach them to a light stand. Foamcore is pretty decent general use reflector but doesn't reflect light as far or as brightly as a specially made photodisc.

[tlooney]

Depending on where your light is coming from, you can lay on the floor at their feet to rid of some of the under the chin shadows, etc. This works well when outdoors and sun overhead.

[Cordell]

I use two different methods.

1) The floor or ground. If I need it promped up in an angle my camera bag is my assistant.

2) A very cheap tripod with a clip I picked up at HomeDepot. Matched the threads of the quick release with a screw and attached the reflector. Because cheap tripods are, well cheap, and light weight I use ankle weights to keep it in place. Looks as professional as you need it to and doesn't cost much ($40 bucks depending on the cheap tripod).

I'm not sure if you are asking about a reflector in itself, but I've used car windshield shades from Walmart ($7).

[Waldemar]

Go to amvona.com , ebay store.You can buy 5 in 1 reflector set for $20-30, by placing your bid.Do not go crazy with amount of your bid so you can buy cheap. Most of my the staff I bought from them very cheap, even backrounds for $25-40. For umbrellas I paid $3-7, and I'm talking 43'' size. Place bids on auctions which are just about to end by putting a few dollars over present bid if the price is low. Don't worry if it does't work first time. Next auction for the item you want will be held in an hour or the longest next day.Good luck. Regards.

[Mark_Cohran]

Or you could be really cheap and go to a craft or art supply store and just pick up some white foam core board that works great as a reflector. It attaches quite easily to a light stand using standard clamps. I use them all the time in my studios, as do many pros. You can also buy them in black to use as a light flag, and you can find them in colors which can ad a warming effect if you're willing to post process in Photoshop. If you staple crumpled aluminum foil to it, you can even get more light reflection.

[EDad]

Thanks all. This is really great advise.

[G3]

I have several different kinds of reflectors. Homemade ones, Photoflex Discs, white umbrellas, silver umbrellas..they all have their uses. One of the best ones I have is a homemade one for fill-lighting. I just took an 8" x 10" piece of stiff cardboard and covered it with some crumpled-up aluminum foil. It's small, light, easy to carry and use and very effective.

For shoulder-and head shots, or just head shots, I have even had the subject hold the reflector in their lap. I just adjust it until the light is striking the way I want it to , and say "Hold this just like this and smile." I have also duct-taped it to a tripod, leaned it against a camera case on the ground, had someone else hold it, and you-name-it.