Use Silver Umbrella as a Reflector?

[mudanoman]

I plan to do some shooting in the sun and need some fill light and was wondering if it is possible to for a silver umbrella to act as a silver reflector. The umbrella is a little bit more bulky I assume, but I already have the swivel holder for it. Otherwise, I need to get a reflector and holder arm for my lightstand. Any budget recommendations? Thanks in advace. -Ivan

[PhotosGuy]

Probably, but shooting what? Might be too much for a person's face. Try it, that's why we have digital 'instant' pics. Try a white card, too.

[mudanoman]

Shooting some sports. I recently borrowed a reflector from a buddy and it worked quite well IMO. I thought I could do the same with my 45" silver umbrella that never sees the light of day. Here was a shot from that day using a 42" silver reflector positioned below and to the right of the rider... Thanks, Ivan

http://www.ibwphoto.com/photo/albums/20d/film_6_04_05/taylorseat.jpg

[mudanoman]

One more:
http://www.ibwphoto.com/photo/albums/20d/film_6_04_05/taylorportrait.jpg

Cheers,

Ivan

[PhotosGuy]

Those look a lot better than they would without the flash, but could stand to have a bit less flash.
Working outside with an umbrella is something I'd (almost ) never do. You're going to need about a 200 pound assistant if the wind kicks up, or else a bunch of sandbags! ;-)

Gmen (SportsShooter) posted some excellent flash-fill shots here:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=588561#post588561
He's using flash on cam & I think you should consider doing that, too.

OTOH, if you need to impress a $2,000 per day client with you're "professionalism", then by all means take the biggest brollys you can find & a scrum of assistants to control them. :D

[mudanoman]

Franks, thanks for your suggestions. I will have a look at that thread you mentioned. Best, Ivan