Samples/Techniques Using Portable Reflectors

[dsze]

Would anyone be willing to share some of their techniques or sample photographs using portable reflectors? Anything in particular that you've had good luck with or a photograph that has been outstanding?

I have a gold, silver, white, transp, and black 5in1 set, that I really enjoy using, but I feel like I could be doing more with them.

thanks,
daniel

[robertwgross]

Would anyone be willing to share some of their techniques or sample photographs using portable reflectors? Anything in particular that you've had good luck with or a photograph that has been outstanding?


I have the same reflector, and it works fine. The only major problem is that I seldom have an extra two hands to support it. At a wedding, normally I am the one stuck with holding the reflector and somebody else works the camera.

I carry it along when hiking, but then I don't have the extra hands. Once in a while, if I find some unique species of nature, I can find some fallen tree branch to support the reflector while I shoot. It would be impractical to carry a light stand.

---Bob Gross---

[dsze]

Yeah, I have the same issue. My wife would gladly assist me on portrait/wedding shoots, but then we have the problem of someone watching our 2 little girls. So, one way or the other I end up paying for an assistant!

Which color do you find yourself using most often? Changing colors is not quite as practical as I thought it was going to be.

-daniel

[robertwgross]

Which color do you find yourself using most often?


For a bride in a white gown, white or silver. Maybe gold.

For something in nature, gold.

I've never found the black side to be useful.

---Bob Gross---

[dsze]

How about just the transparent layer by itself.... ever played with that?

-daniel

[robertwgross]

How about just the transparent layer by itself.... ever played with that?


Mine does not have any transparent layer, but it has one translucent layer. I've used that for softening sunlight for a flower closeup.

---Bob Gross---

[dsze]

Yes, Translucent is the right word. Sorry :oops: When you use that for flowers, do you get a generally softer appearance with less contrast and less visable edges?

I'm doing some child portraits tomorrow in the park if the weather holds out and I'm planning on taking the reflector set. Possibly using the gold with the Fall leaves and the old buildings with white peeling paint.

-daniel

[robertwgross]

When you use that for flowers, do you get a generally softer appearance with less contrast and less visable edges?


Yes, I think that is the idea. There is another product for flowers, but it is much larger and encircles the flower. Without this, I generally get too much contrast.

---Bob Gross---

[Daytripper]

There is an excellent tutorial on use of reflectors and diffusers in macro photography on the 'Nature Photographers' website available here (http://www.naturephotographers.net/np101/je0804-1.html)

Cheers,
Pete

[dsze]

Great tutorial! Thanks. Know of any that deal with people instead of flowers though?

-daniel

[robertwgross]

For a bridal shot, we generally use one really big gold reflector.

A translucent screen ought to be roughly the size of the subject.

---Bob Gross---

[dsze]

Yes, those small reflectors look handy. I've actually got the 5in1 set of the really big ones. 48" or something like that. ...and one of them is translucent.

Well, we've got great sky and sunlight this morning. I think I'll call the family and do these portraits. :)


-daniel