Reflectors - colours

[paxbc]

Hi,

I was wondering if you have any advice on what best colour reflectors to get. I have read that white and silver are a good place to start. Mainly interested in portraiture - there seems to be a lot of divided opinion re gold reflectors and their impact on the subject!

Thanks
Barry

[Donald]

Barry

I'm sure others will want to come in with ideas, but in the meantime, I would recommend that you have a look at the 'School of Portraiture' series that Colin did on here some time ago. This is the link to the 7 workshop threads is here. Go to Number 2 and in Colin's first post he writes about reflectors.

[Colin Southern]

Hi,

I was wondering if you have any advice on what best colour reflectors to get. I have read that white and silver are a good place to start. Mainly interested in portraiture - there seems to be a lot of divided opinion re gold reflectors and their impact on the subject!

Thanks
Barry

Hi Barry,

If you're going to buy something, I'd suggest getting a 5 in 1 (Black, White, Translucent, Silver, Gold). Personally I don't use the gold at all - I find it cooks the skin tones too much for my liking, but the other 4 are all very useful.

- Silver is good to use on cloudy days, as it's more reflective (but on a sunny day it's like shining direct sunlight in someones eyes with a mirror)

- White is good for full sun (although you still need to position it carefully)

- Translucent is good for converting dappled light (use as a diffuser)

- Black is good as a light sink to subtract light, and it can even be used as a backdrop

Hope this helps

[paxbc]

Donald, Colin, thank you both very much for your replies.

Barry

[Colin Southern]

Donald, Colin, thank you both very much for your replies.

Barry

You're welcome Barry -- I'm looking forward to seeing your results.