size of reflector for 1-2 people

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I've been wanting to get a reflector for awhile now, but mainly whats been making me hold off is the cluelessness I have on size (even shape) i should get. I don't want to buy one and then realize later after trying it I need something bigger/smaller

mainly interested in one that would be used for single person and couple shots.

from what I've read, you can get a smaller one for just headshots and a larger one (oval Im guessing) for full body?

just wondering what the norm is and what size would be more then enough but not over the top

thanks :)

[Wilt]

Ask yourself how large of an area you are trying to illuminate when you say '1-2 people', as two heads tightly framed is very, very different than two full length portraits!

Then find a piece of foamcore at a local store and try out a large sheet vs. a small sheet, and see for yourself how much area you can illuminate. You'll save money if you do not insist upon 'for photography' products but expand your considerations to everyday things.

Learn to SEE, not merely ask 'how big', because what I might consider to be sufficient, you might not agree! A reflector does not have to be 'made for photography', as there are many everyday things that can serve the purpose of a reflector.

[adblink]

I totally hear ya and completely agree, the only reason why I was thinking about leaning toward getting an actual "photography" reflector is because there has been a few instances where I have been paid a small amount of money through friends of family members, so appearance is kinda important because I don't want them to think I can't do it because of the unprofessional equipment i'm using.

[Wilt]

Keep in mind that someone needs to HOLD and to AIM a reflector, so do not bother if someone will not be providing that support for you!

[TMR Design]

Wilt,

There are tons of ways to attach reflectors to light stands, floor lamps, music stands, etc. :D

I use them all the time and don't have anyone helping me.

[Hermes]

Forget about what people think of it, foamcore simply is the best material for white reflectors. Photographers have been using it so long that Manfrotto make special forked holders that attach to light stands and super clamps to hold it.

[ohheycheckmeout]

also try sun shades at walmart, come in different sizes and are $5-$10 for 2 of them. Work great and look like real reflectors

[Wilt]

Wilt,

There are tons of ways to attach reflectors to light stands, floor lamps, music stands, etc. :D

I use them all the time and don't have anyone helping me.

Indoors is one thing, outdoors with any breeze is something else!

[adblink]

oh for sure, and luckily my gf is more then willing to come and do that for me :) last shoot for her cousin and their family, she helped with the posing/organizing, so i have a permanent, free assistant to aim a reflector :)

ive read that gold and silver are the best colours to use for skin tones outdoors, would you agree?

[Rudi]

ive read that gold and silver are the best colours to use for skin tones outdoors, would you agree?

Nope! Gold is too yellow, IMO, and silver too harsh. Most of the time I use a white reflector. To warm up skin tones, there are lighter shades of "yellow" that manufacturers call different things - Soft Gold, Sunfire, Sunlite, etc., that I prefer to gold.

[TMR Design]

Indoors is one thing, outdoors with any breeze is something else!

True but I still have the hardware for that and it works like a charm and stays put. :D

[Wilt]

True but I still have the hardware for that and it works like a charm and stays put. :D

As do I. I was merely pointing out something that many first-time reflector buyers do not think about, in buying the first reflector...how to actually put one into use when it is not absolutely calm windwise!

[bobbyz]

True but I still have the hardware for that and it works like a charm and stays put. :D


Robert, would you mind sharing what you use specifically for outdoor use?

[TMR Design]

Sure bobby,

This is what I DIY'ed for this application. It works great and lets me work alone. You can rig up similar things with grip heads and extension arms. I just happened to have this stand that I was not using so the parts went into the "may I can use this for something" bin, and lo and behold I found a use for the riser from the stand.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=505564

[adblink]

do you guys use large white reflectors when shooting outdoors using natural light? or is it more for when strobes and fill light is involved.

Lastly, what would you consider the minimum size for a full body shot of 2 people?

[Wilt]

do you guys use large white reflectors when shooting outdoors using natural light? or is it more for when strobes and fill light is involved.

Lastly, what would you consider the minimum size for a full body shot of 2 people?

Yes, large white reflectors (especially translucent ones) can serve either as additive light sources or as subtractive light modifier!

[neumanns]

It is my understanding that reflectors will illuminate an area equal to the size of the reflector.

So unless my understanding is wrong....to illuminate an area 5' X 6' you would need a reflector of the same size. But usally they are not used on the whole subject but rather to direct light to where it is wanted. (ie. Head and shoulders)

However my understanding may well be wrong...