The average convertible reflector promises 5-in-1 surfaces. You’ll also want something that offers different colored covers. That’s big enough that you can bounce light from a good distance away, but it’s not so big that the wind will try to blow it across town with every gust. You want something mid-sized to start–think in the 40-inch range. If you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for just yet, opt for something that gives you lots of flexibility. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you get the gear you need. You’ll need to consider what color surface you want, how big it should be, and even what shape will work best. You have a surprising number of options to consider when you go out reflector shopping.
#Cheap reflector photography how to#
How to pick the best collapsible reflector
Other companies specifically sell stands for their reflectors in case you want something that looks a little more formal. You can use a simple light stand with an A clamp to keep most reflectors securely in place. While many reflectors have solid handles or at least thick frames to hold onto, you can’t always be in the right place to shape light while you’re shooting. It can feel embarrassing when you’re struggling to get it crammed back into that tiny bag. I highly recommend a few folding and unfolding dry runs at your house once you get your reflector before you take it out into the wild on a shoot. It can take some practice to fold up the reflectors, especially when they get big enough that you have to stretch your arms out to grab both sides. A flexible metal frame around the outside of the material can bend in on itself in a specific way to create a much smaller footprint without getting much thicker. If you’ve ever used a pop-up tent, most collapsible reflectors work on the same basic idea.
Carrying your own reflector, however, provides much more control. I’ve shot portraits of volunteers for a local food bank with some lighting help from a big, white truck parked on the site. I’ve shot portraits of bakers in the kitchen for which I used massive metal ovens as reflectors. Really anything can be a reflector when you’re out in the real world. Depending on the setting, they can provide everything from a simple fill to tone down harsh shadows, to a dramatic key light consisting of lively directional illumination.
These flat discs serve to intercept light rays and send them back toward your subject. What to look for in the best collapsible reflectors Best to throw in your bag for emergencies: Emart 24-inch 5-in-1 reflector.Best for guiding lots of light: Selens 60” x 80” oval reflector.Best for high-end headshot work: Westcott Eyelighter.Best that can stand up to heavy work: Profoto 47-inch reflector.Best to get started: Neewar 43-inch 5-in-1.
Whichever model you choose, these simple, affordable pieces of photography equipment will make a surprisingly big difference in your work once you get the hang of them. Some offer translucent panels for creating soft, diffuse light, while others offer deep black surfaces to block unwanted rays. The best collapsible reflectors will allow you to shape light without having to carry around complex gear that can break or run out of batteries, It’s one of the simplest, but most versatile tools you can have in your bag or around the studio.Īs the name suggests, these handy discs typically spend most of their time bouncing light onto a subject, they can do a lot more. Unfortunately, those rascally little waves/particles of illumination don’t always cooperate.
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