Reflectors - How often do you use them?

[H2Ohta]

How often do you actually use them? Any suggestions on which reflectors to look into or not to look into.

[OdiN1701]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/197000-REG/Photoflex_DL_42MULTI_42_5_in_1_MultiDisc_Reflector .html

I have one of those. Love it. Useful for studio and outdoor work. Studio it can be used to bounce some fill back into spots on a model. Outdoors it's great for redirecting sunlight for fill, or to bounce a flash off of. The translucent is good to put between the sun and the subject to cut down on the direct lighting and soften it, or in a pinch to use to shoot a flash through.

[form]

I have a big one I never use and a small handheld one that I have used 2 times recently to bounce flash off of inside limos. Otherwise I don't use them.

[Franko515]

Until recently I hadnt used reflectors much, now Im finding out how useful they really are. They can be used in all the ways already stated by OdiN1701 so its basically another light source or a light modifier depending on use.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/197000-REG/Photoflex_DL_42MULTI_42_5_in_1_MultiDisc_Reflector .html

I have one of those. Love it. Useful for studio and outdoor work. Studio it can be used to bounce some fill back into spots on a model. Outdoors it's great for redirecting sunlight for fill, or to bounce a flash off of. The translucent is good to put between the sun and the subject to cut down on the direct lighting and soften it, or in a pinch to use to shoot a flash through.

That's kinda pricey, this is the same thing only a wee bit smaller for less than half the price

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/501357-REG/Westcott_301_5_in_1_Reflector_Disc_.html

Is there better quality of build or materials in the Photoflex one?

[H2Ohta]

Thanks for the responses. I have just been looking into them and was wondering if it is a piece of gear that will get much use after purchase. I think I will look at a smaller reflector to start with.

[tim]

None, ever. If you use them outside in bright sunlight they basically shine the sun in someones eyes, which makes them squint or close their eyes. Flash is better IMHO, if you know how to use it.

[Franko515]

None, ever. If you use them outside in bright sunlight they basically shine the sun in someones eyes, which makes them squint or close their eyes. Flash is better IMHO, if you know how to use it.

Or you could use them to block sun or edge light someone. They dont have to blind people if placed properly, but I understand thats your opinion and yes flash is great too ;)

[tim]

Generally I want a whole face or a number of faces lit. A reflector would be used to side or back light someone, but that won't much help me do what I want to do.

[S-S]

i like to use them, in certain occasions
i prefer to use as little flash as possible myself so they are a good compromise in certain situations

[tim]

Most people who say "I prefer not to use flash" don't know how to use flash effectively. I would say I use flash for 50% of my photos at a wedding, with them as the main light for only about 20%, but that counts strobing the reception.

Reflectors are good for keeping the rain off.

[S-S]

Most people who say "I prefer not to use flash" don't know how to use flash effectively.

lol tim you can't get me that way ;-)

i like the quality & challenge of available light, it suits my style to shoot that way whenever possible.* that being said, i own 2 flashes and they go with me to every commercial job i do... whether they come out of the bag or not is usually something i decide at the time

*possible = assuming i can get a decent end result, rather than stubbornly insisting on ambient light only even when it's in the wrong direction or not enough of it

[tim]

Yeah yeah, I believe you, thousands wouldn't ;)

[S-S]

tee hee ;)

[picturecrazy]

I haven't used one at a wedding in about two years. Good use of flash can help reduce the need. But it's hard to compete with the sheer size of the light source when using a reflector... they're huge compared to a flash. That being said, I still prefer flash.

[Franko515]

I just realized that this was posted in the wedding section :oops:

DUHHHHH

I guess thats why people keep saying they dont use reflectors much at all.

DUHHHHH

Weddings are genrally fast paced so flash IMHO is the best choice for ease of use and set-up ;)