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Is a reflector a viable alternative for a fill-light in portraiture photography?
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I'm in the process of creating, and refining, a highly portable portraiture "studio" set-up? I'm looking to lighten my load by using a portable reflector, instead of using a second fill-flash and modifier. I wondering how effective a reflector is? And what size and shape is optimal?
lighting portrait fill-flash
asked 5 hours ago
mooie
50728
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I'm in the process of creating, and refining, a highly portable portraiture "studio" set-up? I'm looking to lighten my load by using a portable reflector, instead of using a second fill-flash and modifier. I wondering how effective a reflector is? And what size and shape is optimal?
lighting portrait fill-flash
asked 5 hours ago
mooie
50728
To clarify, by "portable" I mean a set-up that I can personally move about a city without having to use a car, but which I can still get on public transport with (busses, trains, and the occasional taxi). In practical terms, that means I'm limited to what I can carry on my back and on a sturdy sack-cart. My sack-cart can take up to 100kg, but, as I often have to drag it up steps, 40 or 50kgs is the limit for me, and if I can make it lighter more the better. I'd prefer not to carry to much weight on my back; I usually just have a bag with my laptop and personal items (clothing, snacks, etc.).
– mooie
3 hours ago
Please add information into your question's text, not via comments. Also, forgive my wording, but whether or not your sack-cart can take 100kg or not is irrelevant to the question at hand - you do not have to justify "I would prefer a reflector over a fill-flash, because it is more portable" by any means, as it is a valid argument. ;-)
– flolilolilo
3 hours ago
Also, I almost alway work alone, so, mostly I don't have an assistant to help me except for very occasionally. Hopefully, this will change as I get more regular portraiture work.
– mooie
3 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I'm in the process of creating, and refining, a highly portable portraiture "studio" set-up? I'm looking to lighten my load by using a portable reflector, instead of using a second fill-flash and modifier. I wondering how effective a reflector is? And what size and shape is optimal?
lighting portrait fill-flash
asked 5 hours ago
mooie
50728
I'm in the process of creating, and refining, a highly portable portraiture "studio" set-up? I'm looking to lighten my load by using a portable reflector, instead of using a second fill-flash and modifier. I wondering how effective a reflector is? And what size and shape is optimal?
lighting portrait fill-flash
lighting portrait fill-flash
asked 5 hours ago
mooie
50728
asked 5 hours ago
mooie
50728
asked 5 hours ago
mooie
50728
asked 5 hours ago
mooie
50728
asked 5 hours ago
mooie
50728
50728
To clarify, by "portable" I mean a set-up that I can personally move about a city without having to use a car, but which I can still get on public transport with (busses, trains, and the occasional taxi). In practical terms, that means I'm limited to what I can carry on my back and on a sturdy sack-cart. My sack-cart can take up to 100kg, but, as I often have to drag it up steps, 40 or 50kgs is the limit for me, and if I can make it lighter more the better. I'd prefer not to carry to much weight on my back; I usually just have a bag with my laptop and personal items (clothing, snacks, etc.).
– mooie
3 hours ago
Please add information into your question's text, not via comments. Also, forgive my wording, but whether or not your sack-cart can take 100kg or not is irrelevant to the question at hand - you do not have to justify "I would prefer a reflector over a fill-flash, because it is more portable" by any means, as it is a valid argument. ;-)
– flolilolilo
3 hours ago
Also, I almost alway work alone, so, mostly I don't have an assistant to help me except for very occasionally. Hopefully, this will change as I get more regular portraiture work.
– mooie
3 hours ago
add a comment |Â
To clarify, by "portable" I mean a set-up that I can personally move about a city without having to use a car, but which I can still get on public transport with (busses, trains, and the occasional taxi). In practical terms, that means I'm limited to what I can carry on my back and on a sturdy sack-cart. My sack-cart can take up to 100kg, but, as I often have to drag it up steps, 40 or 50kgs is the limit for me, and if I can make it lighter more the better. I'd prefer not to carry to much weight on my back; I usually just have a bag with my laptop and personal items (clothing, snacks, etc.).
– mooie
3 hours ago
Please add information into your question's text, not via comments. Also, forgive my wording, but whether or not your sack-cart can take 100kg or not is irrelevant to the question at hand - you do not have to justify "I would prefer a reflector over a fill-flash, because it is more portable" by any means, as it is a valid argument. ;-)
– flolilolilo
3 hours ago
Also, I almost alway work alone, so, mostly I don't have an assistant to help me except for very occasionally. Hopefully, this will change as I get more regular portraiture work.
– mooie
3 hours ago
To clarify, by "portable" I mean a set-up that I can personally move about a city without having to use a car, but which I can still get on public transport with (busses, trains, and the occasional taxi). In practical terms, that means I'm limited to what I can carry on my back and on a sturdy sack-cart. My sack-cart can take up to 100kg, but, as I often have to drag it up steps, 40 or 50kgs is the limit for me, and if I can make it lighter more the better. I'd prefer not to carry to much weight on my back; I usually just have a bag with my laptop and personal items (clothing, snacks, etc.).
– mooie
3 hours ago
To clarify, by "portable" I mean a set-up that I can personally move about a city without having to use a car, but which I can still get on public transport with (busses, trains, and the occasional taxi). In practical terms, that means I'm limited to what I can carry on my back and on a sturdy sack-cart. My sack-cart can take up to 100kg, but, as I often have to drag it up steps, 40 or 50kgs is the limit for me, and if I can make it lighter more the better. I'd prefer not to carry to much weight on my back; I usually just have a bag with my laptop and personal items (clothing, snacks, etc.).
– mooie
3 hours ago
Please add information into your question's text, not via comments. Also, forgive my wording, but whether or not your sack-cart can take 100kg or not is irrelevant to the question at hand - you do not have to justify "I would prefer a reflector over a fill-flash, because it is more portable" by any means, as it is a valid argument. ;-)
– flolilolilo
3 hours ago
Please add information into your question's text, not via comments. Also, forgive my wording, but whether or not your sack-cart can take 100kg or not is irrelevant to the question at hand - you do not have to justify "I would prefer a reflector over a fill-flash, because it is more portable" by any means, as it is a valid argument. ;-)
– flolilolilo
3 hours ago
Also, I almost alway work alone, so, mostly I don't have an assistant to help me except for very occasionally. Hopefully, this will change as I get more regular portraiture work.
– mooie
3 hours ago
Also, I almost alway work alone, so, mostly I don't have an assistant to help me except for very occasionally. Hopefully, this will change as I get more regular portraiture work.
– mooie
3 hours ago
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
Reflectors are as effective as their coating, size, and the light source allow - for example, they are virtually useless in complete darkness, but quite good in sunny conditions.
Some reflectors offer multiple coatings in one set, e.g. black, white, gold, silver, and often a diffusor as a frame to hold the coated cover. I usually go for white, the diffusor, or gold, but that of course depends on the shot at hand. They are relatively cheap and come in all sizes, so to try things out, you can go for them, as the are not too bad.
As to "what size and shape is optimal?":
As a rule of thumb: the bigger, the better. The biggest sensible size of course depends on environmental factors. E.g. if you do a lot of hiking, you will probably use a smaller reflector, as you will most likely encounter winds in the mountains. If you have 1-2 assistants, I would go for the biggest reflector I can afford. This of course ignores situations like reflecting only on a certain spot (e.g. the face), which will most likely be easier with a smaller reflector.
The form will depend on what you are trying to achieve. If you want to enhance larger areas, then personally, I would go for rectangular ones. If you need something like a spot, then round ones will get the job done.
Note that there are other forms, as well, like triangles:
Image stolen from Manfrotto's website
...of which Manfrotto's marketing department says:
Replacing the need for a regular shaped reflector the TriGrip reflectors utilise a triangular design which provides a much stronger and more stable structure. They also feature a moulded handle with securing strap, allowing accurate positioning with one hand. This means light can be reflected into awkward spots that would've previously required a stand system.
So there are endless varieties of reflectors, all of which (seem to) have their purpose. Personally, I still go with different sizes of cheap, round, 5-in-1 reflectors, because I do not use them too often, because I have other financial priorities at the moment, and because they still work.
answered 4 hours ago
flolilolilo
3,78111231
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Reflectors are of course used, and can be adequate, and can reduce the main light shadows far better than doing nothing. However, they have to reflect the main light (a flash or the sun, etc), and so have limits of the angle from which the reflector can be placed, and how much they will reflect. Reflectors are sort of placed wherever they have to be, and they do what ever they do. But reflectors can be a good learning experience, in the same way kids in elementary school not being allowed to use a calculator is a good math learning experience. :)
Two lights, just placed either side of camera, is NOT a main and fill situation at all. That is two lights, and two sets of shadows.
The preferable mainstream fill light for studio portraits is a flat frontal light, from near the camera lens position (often directly above the camera), specifically to reduce the exact main light shadows that the lens sees, without creating an additional set of shadows itself (speaking of shadows on the subjects face. Then the background shadows are mostly hidden directly behind the subject).
The power of that fill light is controlled to determine the desired lighting ratio. Using another flash slave for this makes all that be easy (also using a light meter to set up the power levels makes it be extremely easy and repeatable). Flashes can be placed anywhere you want them, and can be set to the power you want, for full control.
Frankly another speedlight flash unit is surely much smaller and easier to carry than a folding reflector. And any stand to hold them is surely much smaller for the flash too.
answered 24 mins ago
WayneF
8,8831923
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
Reflectors are as effective as their coating, size, and the light source allow - for example, they are virtually useless in complete darkness, but quite good in sunny conditions.
Some reflectors offer multiple coatings in one set, e.g. black, white, gold, silver, and often a diffusor as a frame to hold the coated cover. I usually go for white, the diffusor, or gold, but that of course depends on the shot at hand. They are relatively cheap and come in all sizes, so to try things out, you can go for them, as the are not too bad.
As to "what size and shape is optimal?":
As a rule of thumb: the bigger, the better. The biggest sensible size of course depends on environmental factors. E.g. if you do a lot of hiking, you will probably use a smaller reflector, as you will most likely encounter winds in the mountains. If you have 1-2 assistants, I would go for the biggest reflector I can afford. This of course ignores situations like reflecting only on a certain spot (e.g. the face), which will most likely be easier with a smaller reflector.
The form will depend on what you are trying to achieve. If you want to enhance larger areas, then personally, I would go for rectangular ones. If you need something like a spot, then round ones will get the job done.
Note that there are other forms, as well, like triangles:
Image stolen from Manfrotto's website
...of which Manfrotto's marketing department says:
Replacing the need for a regular shaped reflector the TriGrip reflectors utilise a triangular design which provides a much stronger and more stable structure. They also feature a moulded handle with securing strap, allowing accurate positioning with one hand. This means light can be reflected into awkward spots that would've previously required a stand system.
So there are endless varieties of reflectors, all of which (seem to) have their purpose. Personally, I still go with different sizes of cheap, round, 5-in-1 reflectors, because I do not use them too often, because I have other financial priorities at the moment, and because they still work.
answered 4 hours ago
flolilolilo
3,78111231
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Reflectors are as effective as their coating, size, and the light source allow - for example, they are virtually useless in complete darkness, but quite good in sunny conditions.
Some reflectors offer multiple coatings in one set, e.g. black, white, gold, silver, and often a diffusor as a frame to hold the coated cover. I usually go for white, the diffusor, or gold, but that of course depends on the shot at hand. They are relatively cheap and come in all sizes, so to try things out, you can go for them, as the are not too bad.
As to "what size and shape is optimal?":
As a rule of thumb: the bigger, the better. The biggest sensible size of course depends on environmental factors. E.g. if you do a lot of hiking, you will probably use a smaller reflector, as you will most likely encounter winds in the mountains. If you have 1-2 assistants, I would go for the biggest reflector I can afford. This of course ignores situations like reflecting only on a certain spot (e.g. the face), which will most likely be easier with a smaller reflector.
The form will depend on what you are trying to achieve. If you want to enhance larger areas, then personally, I would go for rectangular ones. If you need something like a spot, then round ones will get the job done.
Note that there are other forms, as well, like triangles:
Image stolen from Manfrotto's website
...of which Manfrotto's marketing department says:
Replacing the need for a regular shaped reflector the TriGrip reflectors utilise a triangular design which provides a much stronger and more stable structure. They also feature a moulded handle with securing strap, allowing accurate positioning with one hand. This means light can be reflected into awkward spots that would've previously required a stand system.
So there are endless varieties of reflectors, all of which (seem to) have their purpose. Personally, I still go with different sizes of cheap, round, 5-in-1 reflectors, because I do not use them too often, because I have other financial priorities at the moment, and because they still work.
answered 4 hours ago
flolilolilo
3,78111231
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
Reflectors are as effective as their coating, size, and the light source allow - for example, they are virtually useless in complete darkness, but quite good in sunny conditions.
Some reflectors offer multiple coatings in one set, e.g. black, white, gold, silver, and often a diffusor as a frame to hold the coated cover. I usually go for white, the diffusor, or gold, but that of course depends on the shot at hand. They are relatively cheap and come in all sizes, so to try things out, you can go for them, as the are not too bad.
As to "what size and shape is optimal?":
As a rule of thumb: the bigger, the better. The biggest sensible size of course depends on environmental factors. E.g. if you do a lot of hiking, you will probably use a smaller reflector, as you will most likely encounter winds in the mountains. If you have 1-2 assistants, I would go for the biggest reflector I can afford. This of course ignores situations like reflecting only on a certain spot (e.g. the face), which will most likely be easier with a smaller reflector.
The form will depend on what you are trying to achieve. If you want to enhance larger areas, then personally, I would go for rectangular ones. If you need something like a spot, then round ones will get the job done.
Note that there are other forms, as well, like triangles:
Image stolen from Manfrotto's website
...of which Manfrotto's marketing department says:
Replacing the need for a regular shaped reflector the TriGrip reflectors utilise a triangular design which provides a much stronger and more stable structure. They also feature a moulded handle with securing strap, allowing accurate positioning with one hand. This means light can be reflected into awkward spots that would've previously required a stand system.
So there are endless varieties of reflectors, all of which (seem to) have their purpose. Personally, I still go with different sizes of cheap, round, 5-in-1 reflectors, because I do not use them too often, because I have other financial priorities at the moment, and because they still work.
answered 4 hours ago
flolilolilo
3,78111231
Reflectors are as effective as their coating, size, and the light source allow - for example, they are virtually useless in complete darkness, but quite good in sunny conditions.
Some reflectors offer multiple coatings in one set, e.g. black, white, gold, silver, and often a diffusor as a frame to hold the coated cover. I usually go for white, the diffusor, or gold, but that of course depends on the shot at hand. They are relatively cheap and come in all sizes, so to try things out, you can go for them, as the are not too bad.
As to "what size and shape is optimal?":
As a rule of thumb: the bigger, the better. The biggest sensible size of course depends on environmental factors. E.g. if you do a lot of hiking, you will probably use a smaller reflector, as you will most likely encounter winds in the mountains. If you have 1-2 assistants, I would go for the biggest reflector I can afford. This of course ignores situations like reflecting only on a certain spot (e.g. the face), which will most likely be easier with a smaller reflector.
The form will depend on what you are trying to achieve. If you want to enhance larger areas, then personally, I would go for rectangular ones. If you need something like a spot, then round ones will get the job done.
Note that there are other forms, as well, like triangles:
Image stolen from Manfrotto's website
...of which Manfrotto's marketing department says:
Replacing the need for a regular shaped reflector the TriGrip reflectors utilise a triangular design which provides a much stronger and more stable structure. They also feature a moulded handle with securing strap, allowing accurate positioning with one hand. This means light can be reflected into awkward spots that would've previously required a stand system.
So there are endless varieties of reflectors, all of which (seem to) have their purpose. Personally, I still go with different sizes of cheap, round, 5-in-1 reflectors, because I do not use them too often, because I have other financial priorities at the moment, and because they still work.
answered 4 hours ago
flolilolilo
3,78111231
answered 4 hours ago
flolilolilo
3,78111231
answered 4 hours ago
flolilolilo
3,78111231
answered 4 hours ago
flolilolilo
3,78111231
3,78111231
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Reflectors are of course used, and can be adequate, and can reduce the main light shadows far better than doing nothing. However, they have to reflect the main light (a flash or the sun, etc), and so have limits of the angle from which the reflector can be placed, and how much they will reflect. Reflectors are sort of placed wherever they have to be, and they do what ever they do. But reflectors can be a good learning experience, in the same way kids in elementary school not being allowed to use a calculator is a good math learning experience. :)
Two lights, just placed either side of camera, is NOT a main and fill situation at all. That is two lights, and two sets of shadows.
The preferable mainstream fill light for studio portraits is a flat frontal light, from near the camera lens position (often directly above the camera), specifically to reduce the exact main light shadows that the lens sees, without creating an additional set of shadows itself (speaking of shadows on the subjects face. Then the background shadows are mostly hidden directly behind the subject).
The power of that fill light is controlled to determine the desired lighting ratio. Using another flash slave for this makes all that be easy (also using a light meter to set up the power levels makes it be extremely easy and repeatable). Flashes can be placed anywhere you want them, and can be set to the power you want, for full control.
Frankly another speedlight flash unit is surely much smaller and easier to carry than a folding reflector. And any stand to hold them is surely much smaller for the flash too.
answered 24 mins ago
WayneF
8,8831923
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Reflectors are of course used, and can be adequate, and can reduce the main light shadows far better than doing nothing. However, they have to reflect the main light (a flash or the sun, etc), and so have limits of the angle from which the reflector can be placed, and how much they will reflect. Reflectors are sort of placed wherever they have to be, and they do what ever they do. But reflectors can be a good learning experience, in the same way kids in elementary school not being allowed to use a calculator is a good math learning experience. :)
Two lights, just placed either side of camera, is NOT a main and fill situation at all. That is two lights, and two sets of shadows.
The preferable mainstream fill light for studio portraits is a flat frontal light, from near the camera lens position (often directly above the camera), specifically to reduce the exact main light shadows that the lens sees, without creating an additional set of shadows itself (speaking of shadows on the subjects face. Then the background shadows are mostly hidden directly behind the subject).
The power of that fill light is controlled to determine the desired lighting ratio. Using another flash slave for this makes all that be easy (also using a light meter to set up the power levels makes it be extremely easy and repeatable). Flashes can be placed anywhere you want them, and can be set to the power you want, for full control.
Frankly another speedlight flash unit is surely much smaller and easier to carry than a folding reflector. And any stand to hold them is surely much smaller for the flash too.
answered 24 mins ago
WayneF
8,8831923
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Reflectors are of course used, and can be adequate, and can reduce the main light shadows far better than doing nothing. However, they have to reflect the main light (a flash or the sun, etc), and so have limits of the angle from which the reflector can be placed, and how much they will reflect. Reflectors are sort of placed wherever they have to be, and they do what ever they do. But reflectors can be a good learning experience, in the same way kids in elementary school not being allowed to use a calculator is a good math learning experience. :)
Two lights, just placed either side of camera, is NOT a main and fill situation at all. That is two lights, and two sets of shadows.
The preferable mainstream fill light for studio portraits is a flat frontal light, from near the camera lens position (often directly above the camera), specifically to reduce the exact main light shadows that the lens sees, without creating an additional set of shadows itself (speaking of shadows on the subjects face. Then the background shadows are mostly hidden directly behind the subject).
The power of that fill light is controlled to determine the desired lighting ratio. Using another flash slave for this makes all that be easy (also using a light meter to set up the power levels makes it be extremely easy and repeatable). Flashes can be placed anywhere you want them, and can be set to the power you want, for full control.
Frankly another speedlight flash unit is surely much smaller and easier to carry than a folding reflector. And any stand to hold them is surely much smaller for the flash too.
answered 24 mins ago
WayneF
8,8831923
Reflectors are of course used, and can be adequate, and can reduce the main light shadows far better than doing nothing. However, they have to reflect the main light (a flash or the sun, etc), and so have limits of the angle from which the reflector can be placed, and how much they will reflect. Reflectors are sort of placed wherever they have to be, and they do what ever they do. But reflectors can be a good learning experience, in the same way kids in elementary school not being allowed to use a calculator is a good math learning experience. :)
Two lights, just placed either side of camera, is NOT a main and fill situation at all. That is two lights, and two sets of shadows.
The preferable mainstream fill light for studio portraits is a flat frontal light, from near the camera lens position (often directly above the camera), specifically to reduce the exact main light shadows that the lens sees, without creating an additional set of shadows itself (speaking of shadows on the subjects face. Then the background shadows are mostly hidden directly behind the subject).
The power of that fill light is controlled to determine the desired lighting ratio. Using another flash slave for this makes all that be easy (also using a light meter to set up the power levels makes it be extremely easy and repeatable). Flashes can be placed anywhere you want them, and can be set to the power you want, for full control.
Frankly another speedlight flash unit is surely much smaller and easier to carry than a folding reflector. And any stand to hold them is surely much smaller for the flash too.
answered 24 mins ago
WayneF
8,8831923
edited 56 secs ago
answered 24 mins ago
WayneF
8,8831923
answered 24 mins ago
WayneF
8,8831923
answered 24 mins ago
WayneF
8,8831923
8,8831923
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
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To clarify, by "portable" I mean a set-up that I can personally move about a city without having to use a car, but which I can still get on public transport with (busses, trains, and the occasional taxi). In practical terms, that means I'm limited to what I can carry on my back and on a sturdy sack-cart. My sack-cart can take up to 100kg, but, as I often have to drag it up steps, 40 or 50kgs is the limit for me, and if I can make it lighter more the better. I'd prefer not to carry to much weight on my back; I usually just have a bag with my laptop and personal items (clothing, snacks, etc.).
– mooie
3 hours ago
Please add information into your question's text, not via comments. Also, forgive my wording, but whether or not your sack-cart can take 100kg or not is irrelevant to the question at hand - you do not have to justify "I would prefer a reflector over a fill-flash, because it is more portable" by any means, as it is a valid argument. ;-)
– flolilolilo
3 hours ago
Also, I almost alway work alone, so, mostly I don't have an assistant to help me except for very occasionally. Hopefully, this will change as I get more regular portraiture work.
– mooie
3 hours ago