A reflector is any object that is used to reflect light. Reflectors could be used either as main light or as fill light, they are easier to setup than any other lighting source, gives you visual confirmation of where your light will go, enabling effective control of light to fine tune your results. Other advantages of using reflectors is that they do not need a power source so they could be put to use in any corner of the world where there is some source of light, ideal for shooting in remote places. And here is the best part of all – while using reflectors; you are not limited by the flash sync speed of your camera.
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| Circular Reflector |
The circular reflector is made of cloth stretched over collapsible metal frames (often called disc reflectors). Reflectors range widely in size, color, and design. When they were first launched the available size was 32 inches in diameter, now a day they are available from 12 inches in diameter to sizes up to 4 feet by six feet panels.
There are several choices of cloth material and finish to choose from. Most popular of them are opaque matt white, translucent white, metallic finishes like silver and gold and finally matt black. The metallic surfaces provide more light intensity and contrast in the bounced light than the matte white surface. Gold reflectors also add a warm coloration to the bounced light. Opaque panels can be used as reflectors or gobos. You can use a translucent panel as a diffuser or large soft box by putting a basic reflector behind it and gobo - ing off the sides.
The currently popular offering is to have all five surfaces, silver, gold, white, black, and translucent, in one package.
There are several choices of cloth material and finish to choose from. Most popular of them are opaque matt white, translucent white, metallic finishes like silver and gold and finally matt black. The metallic surfaces provide more light intensity and contrast in the bounced light than the matte white surface. Gold reflectors also add a warm coloration to the bounced light. Opaque panels can be used as reflectors or gobos. You can use a translucent panel as a diffuser or large soft box by putting a basic reflector behind it and gobo - ing off the sides.
The currently popular offering is to have all five surfaces, silver, gold, white, black, and translucent, in one package.
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| 5 in 1 Circular Reflector |
The metal frame of the circular reflector can be twisted into the shape of the numeral “8” and then folded making the whole assembly only about one fourth or so of its original diameter. These circular reflectors also come with a carrying case. These are really handy to have on location and in the studio.
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| Circular Reflector Used in Photography |
If you are planning to use these round reflectors, you’ll need to have an assistant or an arm attachment to hold them in place at the top of a heavy-duty light stand.
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| Circular Reflector held with an Arm attachment on a Light Stand |
In the next article we will discuss about Light Modifiers - Dish
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