Upon reflection . . .

[MJP]

No, this isn't some naval gazing introspective but a look at reflectors.

Ever wondered how to achieve that illuminated subject look in the great outdoors? Wonder no further, all you need is a reflector . . . or five.

• Gold
• Silver
• White
• Black
• Translucent

Have a watch . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxFUtWAm8pQ

Internet review reconnaissance (IRR) has identified Profoto collapsible reflectors to be the most durable and fairly pricey. Cheapo ones are available for as low as ten quid, but I think these will likely fall apart in one session and therefore be a waste of ten quid and the postmans' effort.

https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Profoto+Collapsible+Reflector&tbm=shop&spd=16312474316534586042

More on Profoto collapsible reflectors . . .

http://profoto.com/int/products/light-shaping-tools-modular-light-shapers-for-profoto-heads-monolights/collapsible-reflector

Edited August 25, 2014 by MJP

[rhythmworx]

If you want to learn about that kind of stuff I have a 3 day course video, 4-6 hours a day shooting models with Matthew Jordan Smith and another 2 day course with Lindsay Adler amongst a few 100GB of other pro toggers teaching their skills in varying niches of photography.

No reading is needed just your time and a notepad.

Really is essential viewing, 2 invites left if anyone is interested.

Here he is the Profoto Don and the Barry White of fashion and beauty photography himself.

[MJP]

Yes please!

[MJP]

Where's the best place to get lighting sets, booms, soft boxes, strobes and backdrops in LOS?

I have no space here in Blighty but a huge house in LOS with a room ideal for a studio set up.

[sunshine51]

Try AV Camera....(avcamera.com), World Camera (worldcamera.co.th) Big Camera (bigcamera.co.th)

That should give you a start.

Mind you M...try to get LastoLite reflectors in the UK, may be cheaper...and they collapse pretty

small.

[sunshine51]

MJP....here's something you can do in a pinch really cheap & works very

well.

Needed items; aluminium foil, space blanket, styrofoam sheet cut to

whatever size you want to use for the reflector. Make one reflector out

of Alfoil and the other from the space blanket (gold side). Attach the foil

and blanket to the styrofoam with narrow strips of gaffing tape. You can

easily crinkle the foil/SB before attachment to the foam. Can even use

some narrow bamboo poles taped together and make square/rectangle

reflectors.These will do the job...no joke! And do it very well. They can

also be easily attached to a tripod or mic stand with little imagination

and made collapsable with the same amount of imagination too...hah!

Granted...they're not as fancy as Lastolites & Profoto's etc...etc...etc...

but they're good...especially in a pinch. The space blankets, also known

as survival blankets/sheets are cheap compared to branded reflectors

and available at any outdoors/camping/adventure sports store and the like.

Alfoil...well that's hard to get ain't it!!? If you really wanna get crafty you

can use aluminium tubing of say 5-7mm in diameter cut to length or

bent into a circle. Can use small diameter PVC too! Heck...even a sheet

of styro say 2x3 feet is a great reflector. Leave it white or spray paint it

silver or gold! The thing is M...these simple bits work just as well as the

branded ones do...have a go & try making one then give it a test shoot.

You'll be surprised.

I like what I call "field expedient" methods that I know will work when I go

galavanting off somewhere for a shoot. Can buy that styrofoam stuff

anywhere..even in Bhutan! Space blankets fold up really small. Alfoil

is available globally even in the smallest, off the beaten track villages.

Beats loosing a 100 quid reflector in my book.

Then again...buy a few branded jobbers in assorted sizes also. Just

chain em to your gear bag(s) so's ya donna loose em Jimmy!

NB....edit to correct fatdigititis corruptus.

Edited August 27, 2014 by sunshine51