How Necessary are Reflectors?

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by TylerGS

but I don't have enough money right now. Just how important is using a reflector when shooting outdoor portraits?

Seeing as money is a factor, then yes a reflector is probably the best way for you to control light in an out door environment. They are less relevant if you learn how to use portable lights (see www.strobist.com) , but in your current 'cash-challened' status, a reflector can work wonders.

White paper board, a white sheet (with friends to help you or something to hang it on), aluminum foil wrapped around cardboard, and others are great cheap options to help you control and guide light.

Just remember some of the basics of lighting like reflect the light from a natural direction and perhaps not straight into where the model is looking. That's called 'straight on" light which is never good and flattens the subjects features by ridding them of all shadows.

Good luck!
Al

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by tasmo2

Probably a reason for that.. check it closely before you settle!

I have the same exact one, it's very good. I also know others who have it and it's good.

Sometimes we tend to research a bit too much for something which only costs a few bucks. Just buy it, if it's a POS, you're not out a bunch of money. Not like you're talking about a $2,000 lens here.

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by Benji

I have read numerous times about using a silver reflector in bright sunshine to "bounce some light back into the face of your subject" so I simply had to try it with so many pros suggesting it so I had my subject face away from the sunshine so his face was in shadow and then used a silver reflector to bounce some of that beautiful bright sunshine back into his face. Really bounced that light back. He complained that it took several seconds for him to be able to see again however.

Benji

LOL! You could have just used a white reflector with that much sun.

[Nekrose]

Originally Posted by TylerGS

Based on the review (unfortunately there was only one) it's a good reflector. But then it wouldn't hurt to do a little deeper research.

I have that reflector, and it has served me well here in Hawaii! I highly recommend it. It has served me well, and it goes everywhere with me. You have to have reflectors to shoot outdoors here.

[Nekrose]

Originally Posted by GadgetRick

LOL! You could have just used a white reflector with that much sun.

I second that. Silver is way too harsh. You don't want the subject squinting.

I usually have some pretty intense sunlight coming down (Hawaii), so I just use the white, It gives the same result without blinding anybody.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by Nekrose

I second that. Silver is way too harsh. You don't want the subject squinting.

I usually have some pretty intense sunlight coming down (Hawaii), so I just use the white, It gives the same result without blinding anybody.

Yep. Also, it should never be positioned so low that you get a harsh shadow coming across the subject's head. It should be held by an assistant slightly above and angled down towards the subject. That way you also don't get squinting.

Full sun when people are already squinting to begin with should be avoided at all costs for photography - but full sun can be done at other times if you understand natural light and its angles. If you don't understand natural light and ways to position people using reflectors, stick to studio.

[JAD40]

If you are really pressed for cash you can try wearing a white tshirt, and using your own body as a reflector while you are shooting