Steady Hand
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 p.1 #5 · Reflector Question.... | |
Hi Ian,
The following is a detailed answer intended to help others. Details are important.
Many of my photos are made with natural sunlight and the use of reflective light. I rarely use flash, by choice.
Over the last year or so, I have been asked several times what kind of reflectors and diffusers I use or recommend. I have been meaning to post a detailed review of this kind of stuff for a few months now, but business kept me busy. So here is much of what I was going to share with others, but I have some other things to add that will be posted later in a new topic. I hope you find this draft information helpful. 
First, I use all kinds and sizes of reflectors AND diffusers. Everything from large 4 x 8 foot panels to 5 x 5 foot panels and even down to 12" rounds reflectors. I own and use products made by Photoflex, Westcott, Lastolite, and others. Each was purchased for a project or need. I have tried them all. Including very expensive reflectors that cost over $800. Each has some utility. But, which one fits YOUR budget and needs?
There are many options, including using cheap reflectors made for automobile windshields, or even cardboard covered in aluminum foil.
My purpose here is not to tell you to buy the most expensive, nor the cheapest (do it yourself).
My intent is simply to provide you with an EASY and SIMPLE Suggestion that will get you started.
This is my BASIC kit, but one that has some great flexibility, great value, and nice design utility.
I purchased these same items, and am pleased or satisfied with the quality and utility and very pleased with the relatively low cost. So, to me, they represent an outstanding value. I ordered these items via the website (link below), and received them in about 3 days via UPS ground. I believe they shipped the same day I ordered, so I was pleased with the speed of the transaction too. It went smoothly.
Because others will recommend other brands, sizes or stuff, I will call this "Steady's Starter Kit" to make it easy to reference or for comparison in discussion.
Here is my recommendation for THREE things to purchase as a start. I recommend buying them ALL and TOGETHER at the same time. The reason is to have the flexibility to use REFLECTED LIGHT and DIFFUSION at the same time.
Why three?
One is a "5 in 1" kit that will give you the ability to either reflect or diffuse.
One is a small translucent triangle.
One is a small Silver/White reflector triangle.
Each has a purpose.
Here is where I bought mine, and where I got very good service (quick shipment) and good value.
http://www.dmkfoto.com/?Click=381
A word about this store/source.
I purchased these items after searching the web and considering all kinds of sources and types. I bought these items because I wanted to purchase some "low cost" items that I could recommend to others and to evaluate them for my book (I have a chapter on using items like this). So, I was looking for a "less expensive" alternative to the higher priced items I had previously purchased for my studio. To put it simply, not everyone will pay $80 or more for a reflector or diffuser made by a "name brand" and they will then try to use cheap materials (auto reflectors for example) or other things or nothing at all. I understand that. So, these are suggestions for items that may fit into more gear budgets.
I don't think you will find better prices, but I think the prices are not as important as the balance of value (utility/quality/price).
When you get to this website, look at the menu on the side and click on Light Modifiers link and then search the first, and second pages to get the items below or enter the item or product number (shown below). Be aware that there are several pages of modifiers, and it would be easy to mistake one item for another. In other words, there are several different types of items that may appear similar. To get the specific one I use, make sure you match the product code number. You can type this in the search field on the upper left of the website.
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Now, to make this "Steady's Starter Kit" even better, I suggest you ADD a duplicate of the "5 in 1" reflector kit.
Why have TWO?
Because this kind of "5 in 1" does give you the option of five different surfaces, but it makes you use only ONE surface at a time, because the diffuser is the "base" that has the spring steel hoop that provides the shape. So, if you want to use both diffusion and reflection, at the same time in a session, you will need TWO items diffusers (hoops or support surfaces). So, BUY TWO of this item. IF you are really tight with money, you can buy the same size "diffuser" alone for just $30. But, I think it is smart to purchase the entire "5 in 1" kit because it may come in handy in the future to have those other reflective surfaces and in case one of the surfaces gets damaged or lost (it can happen). Fur just that extra $12 you are getting Silver, Black, Gold in addition to the diffuser.
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5 in 1 Multi Surface Reflective Panel 40x60 = $42.99
Product code = 770
All 5 of the most popular and commonly used surfaces are contained within one zip pocketed disc. This is an extra large 40x60 inch panel good enough for full body, large area application.
The translucent surface for softening; silver for the contrast you look for; gold for warm tone; white to fill the shadow; and the black to block out stray light or as background.
You may hang this disc or mount it with a reflector disc holding arm
Steady's Notes: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I consider this one of the least expensive and most useful items in my gear bag. It is so easy to use because of the shape and LARGE SIZE. This is a big reflector, but folds down into a small size and bag (comes with pouch). I like this size and shape because it allows me to put diffusion on a standing figure or on two people side by side. For a couples shot, you need that extra surface area. The tall rectangle works well for side light of a 3/4 figure shot. . This item has caused my other shaped (circles, ovals, squares) reflectors to get much less use.
Remember, I suggest you purchase TWO of these at the start so you can use one for diffusion, while using the other for reflection.
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Translucent Triangular Grip DIFFUSER 24 inch = $17.99
Product code = 7240
Steady's Notes: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I consider this one of the least expensive and most useful items in my gear bag. It is so easy to use because of the shape and SMALL SIZE. I often shoot with one hand on the camera and one hand holding the diffuser. The grip makes a big difference and has caused my other shaped (circles, ovals, squares) reflectors to get much less use. This is SMALL so it is mostly used for close face shots (head and shoulders OK).
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Translucent Triangular Grip REFLECTOR silver/white 24 inch = $16.49
Product code = 5860
This is the same reflector you see in professional studios. The grip and triangular makes it easy for you to pin-point the area you want to highlight.
The silver surface gives you a cool look and more contrast while the white surface just fills in the shadow.
Folds nicely into a 9 inch carry pouch to carry around.
Steady's Notes: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I consider this one of the least expensive and most useful items in my gear bag. It is so easy to use because of the shape and SMALL SIZE. I often shoot with one hand on the camera and one hand holding the reflector. The grip makes a big difference and has caused my other shaped (circles, ovals, squares) reflectors to get much less use. This is SMALL so it is mostly used for close face shots (head and shoulders OK).
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Ian, I hope this information helps you and others.
Like I said, I will add more to this with some other tips and post later in a separate topic, but this is the information that can get you started.
Steady
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