Which Size Of Reflector Should I Get

What size for a reflector?

Dec 5, 2005

If I want to practise shots of max 3-4 people and usually 1/3 of the length of the people (not full length pictures), what reflector size would be good?

If I get a big one, like twoscore"x60", would I exist able to do whatsoever kind of motion-picture show with it or do I need reflectors of multiple sizes because larger ones are not good for everything? Why would ane buy a 22" reflector instead of a 43"?

Thanks,

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Ghislain

Re: What size for a reflector?

I bought a 52" round and information technology is groovy except information technology is HUGE! I am now in the market for a couple smaller ones.

I can imagine using a 22" reflector for macro work or a close up portrait for example.

A 32" would be proficient for a pocket-sized child blazon portrait.

I can run into myself with a few before the end of 2006.

Ghislain Carrier wrote:

because larger ones are non good for everything?

Why aren't they 'good for everything' ? The bigger the meliorate! IMO. If handling isn't the problem, a larger creates more unnoticed fill light, can be minimised someday through partly covering it.

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Kind regards,
Peter B.
(English - not my native natural language)

djdave • Regular Member • Posts: 476

Re: bigger is ameliorate

Peter Berressem wrote:

Why aren't they 'good for everything' ?

Because sometimes y'all might want to fill a sure area only, and non the whole frame.

Ricoh GR Ii Canon EOS 20D Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM +1 more

Re: bigger is better

In reply to djdave • Dec five, 2005

djdave wrote:

Because sometimes you lot might want to fill a certain area but, and
not the whole frame.

then please reread the last part of my last sentence....;)

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Kind regards,
Peter B.
(English - not my native natural language)

djdave • Regular Member • Posts: 476

Re: bigger is better

My apologies.
--
Dave
http://www.pbase.com/daverichards
'Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out' (Martin Scorsese)

Ricoh GR II Catechism EOS 20D Catechism EF 50mm F1.4 USM +1 more than

didn't yous know that"?

seriously, it really doesn't matter. What matters is the size of the light source. If y'all accept a small refelector and place information technology very close to the bailiwick, you will get softer low-cal than when placed further away.

given the same distance from reflector to subject, the larger the reflector (light source) the softer the lighting.

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Nikon D100 Nikon D200 Nikon D800 Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Nikon AF Nikkor 135mm f/2D DC +4 more than

Thanks, I never thought of roofing part of the reflector to reduce its effective size.

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Ghislain

Clark Hampton wrote:

given the aforementioned distance from reflector to subject, the larger the
reflector (light source) the softer the lighting.

Thank you, I didn't know that.

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Ghislain

Shullinger • Contributing Fellow member • Posts: 539

Re: size doesn't matter

Well, information technology may be truthful about size, only a bigger reflector will just be more than practical and easier to go the results you desire. Do you want to use a reflector that is so modest that you lot have to get it so close to your subject that yous practically have to include it in your image to make its effect noticable?

jlongo • Senior Member • Posts: one,760

Always effort to handle a big ane in air current? (nt)

In reply to djdave • Dec 6, 2005

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The right to gratuitous voice communication in no way implies any right to exist taken seriously!
Joe

If you can't go it into the right position because information technology'southward also big, you lot have no reflector at all.

Lots of smaller reflectors are very flexible, but need lots of pocket-sized supports to hold them up. Any's supporting your reflector also takes upward space, and that's true whatsoever size of reflector....

Fact is, you really need a range of sizes if you are going to make reflectors an integral part of your lighting way (skilful idea!) --- so kickoff off with a medium rectangular (easier to stand up) and add other sized reflectors as your experience grows.

I propose y'all brand your first one near two.v anxiety by three.5 feet.
--
Regards,
Baz

I suggest yous make your first i about 2.5 feet by 3.5 feet.

No. On re-reading your original post I think the higher up size is as well small.

The platonic size of reflector is the Same size as the area you are trying to reflect light into, assuming you have the room to get it in at that place.

So, if yous are lighting a 3/iv length shot of a single person, you need a reflector that is three/four the superlative of a person. Which means you should look to buy (make?) a reflector fifty" on the long side. This will not be too big for smaller shots -- neither will it be hopelessly underpowered for a group of two or three people.

[Sorry nigh that. I wasn't paying proper attention.]
--
Regards,
Baz

My subject's legs are too nighttime...any ideas?

I accept an AB800 w/ dazzler dish and an AB round reflector.

I have to have the light high, at the subject area face.
This (apparently) removes light from their legs.
What do you think I should practise first to solve this?

1. Purchase a second light?
2. Purchase a bigger modifier, such as a long softbox for the ab800?
3. Buy a bigger reflector?
4. Other!

Also, I might too mention that what they stand up on is newspaper now. It

gets torn upwardly and made ugly. What suggestions practise yous have for what they stand on (for a portable studio!)

Thank you
Jim

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