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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Large Sqaure Reflector - Where to find one?
Eric Jones, Photographer
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Greenville | NC | USA | Posted: 7:58 AM on 05.15.09 |
->> Where can I find a large square/rectangle reflector to use on outside portraits? I have the basic round reflector but actually saw a video of a lady using a huge rectangle style reflector that was probably close to 4-5 ft tall and not quite as wide that seemed to work really well. I've been searching on google but with no luck. Her setup looked like it had two rods on both sides with cut out for the hands so she can move them upright or the long way and really put out alot of light back onto the subject. You could also use your feet to move the bottom and looked to be very solid construction. If you know where I can find such a item please let me know.
Thanks
EKJ |
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Robert Longhitano, Photographer
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Tim Snow, Photographer
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Montreal | Qc | Canada | Posted: 8:37 AM on 05.15.09 |
->> http://www.lastolite.com/skylite-kits.php
The Lastolite Skylites are also very good. They can get very expensive, and don't forget that they can act as very large sails...don't forget to counter weight them... |
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David Zapatka, Photographer
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North Kingstown | RI | USA | Posted: 9:05 AM on 05.15.09 |
->> I think you can get the lastolite from Barbizon Electric in NYC--they have offices in several different cities as well. California Sunbounce can be found at ProSource BMI in Fairfield, CT.
I have both and I find they each have their strengths. The lastolite is my favorite because the frame is connected by internal elastic bungy cords that make constructing it a snap. Just throw it on the ground and it practically builds itself. The cloth panels attach with velcro--no ties or grommets to snap together. It's a great system.
The Sunbounce takes longer to assemble but has great handles so you can have an assistant easily "hollywood" the reflector. It is much easier to use hand-held than the lastolite. Each of the two have their pluses and minuses, if I had to choose, IMHO I'd go with the lastolite which is much more versatile. |
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Robert Seale, Photographer
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Clark Brooks, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 10:52 AM on 05.15.09 |
->> Eric-
A cheap alternative is go to a local company that prints banners and give them the size specifications. The can custom cut white banner material and add grommets. A local company here charges about $7/sqft. I assume there is a place in your area likely who will sell the raw material for about the same price or less. You can also have them cut wind holes to cut down on the sail effect. Then you can build a frame out of PVC pipe and use superclamps to attach it light stands or a boom arm. You can buy sandbags to weight down the light stand base.
Another choice among area portrait photogs is 4x6 sheets of reflective insulation. They usually have an assistant hold the reflector rather than using a stationary stand. |
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Robert Longhitano, Photographer
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North Wales | PA | USA | Posted: 11:56 AM on 05.15.09 |
->> I know this will come across as being snobbish. If a client is paying you for your talent and professionalism. Showing up with equipment made with parts from Home Depot doesn't exactly scream professional.
Most of the suggestion are expensive but you do have rental options.
**BUT**
If you're just starting out and using friends and family as guinea pigs by all means go "ghetto" |
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Brian Dowling, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 1:12 PM on 05.15.09 |
| ->> I bought mine at Calumet for $45 with their student discount. Aluminum frame and you can chose from a clear diffuser to silver/black or gold/silver(I think). Its more rectangle than square at 3'x5'. They may have something a big more square though. |
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Eric Jones, Photographer
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Greenville | NC | USA | Posted: 1:44 PM on 05.15.09 |
->> The one that I saw was actually from sunbounce...thanks Robert and to everyone else that has replied. I guess my other question is what is so different from the following two reflectors?
http://www.sunbounce.com/cms/index.php?id=reflector_pro&L=1&tx_ttproducts_p...[backPID]=502&tx_ttproducts_pi1[product]=251&cHash=39408a22ea
This is the -2/3 Stop
http://www.sunbounce.com/cms/index.php?id=reflector_pro&L=1&tx_ttproducts_p...[backPID]=502&tx_ttproducts_pi1[product]=419&cHash=e3a9d8f8a8
I will be mostly photographing families and kids and maybe some engagement portraits and mostly will be done outside. Again, I have the gold, silver and white round reflector but I feel like one from above will give off more light to my subject. I sure the silver/white will be just fine but unsure about the -2/3 stop reflector.
EKJ |
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Eric Jones, Photographer
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Greenville | NC | USA | Posted: 2:35 PM on 05.15.09 |
| ->> I actually have the above worked out but just wondering if a 4x6 is an overkill vs. a 3x4 for photographing families and children? |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 2:55 PM on 05.15.09 |
->> Robert while I understand the SPIRIT of what you are saying, I have to admit that I have built dozens upon dozens of items from trips to Home Depot. I have used 2x4 florescent lenses as backgrouds and platforms for shooting tabletop work. The 1/2 grid type looks really cool side lit with vivid gels. The pebbled plexi looks great when lit from below with or without a frosted plexi diffuser.
PVC piping can be pre-assembled and held together with elastic shock cord similar to the unit that David is describing. If it works really well and you want to make it 'look' more professional you can 'sock' the piping with canvas or nylon. If the PVC is too flexible you can either slip in a dowel or fill the pipe with expanding foam. For a lightweight 'rigid' pole use both dowels and expanding foam to reinforce the pipe.
If you have never used expanding foam, read the directions, then read them again. Then the next day read them AGAIN!! Mask everything off. Setup a perimeter as if you were testing a nuke. This stuff makes crazy glue look like kindergarten paste. This stuff is like my first wife's lawyer, anything it touches, it owns FOREVER.
As far as the fabric is concerned most of the systems that I have seen have replacement panels at less than a 1/3 of the cost of the complete system. |
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