Reflector = Need help how to properly use outdoors

[ErikTande]

N For whatever reason, I've never had a problem eyeballing light on a subject from a reflector and knowing when I've got it and when I don't-- though rarely can anyone else on set do it as well. Go figure.

I feel you, I have this problem ALL the time. It happened tons on this shoot too. I would hold it for them, show them how to angle it and see the light hit the actors face, hand it over to them, walk back to my camera, and the light would be missing completely again. >.<

 

[Bruce Watson]

That is a great reflector for still photography, but I would not recommend it for outdoor beach shoots. As I mentioned earlier on a windy day the fabric will flutter around and the lighting will change on your subjects skin.

Another possibility are the reflectors made by California Sunbounce. They are made for outside use, and people who use them claim they are great for that duty. Pricey, but if you need light weight and easily portable, might be worth a shot. IDK.

 

[starcentral]

Yes, those are great reflectors in general because they are extremely tight around a frame. The filmsy reflectors that can typically be folded down to 1/3 to 1/5 the size are the ones that I meant were not that great outdoors. Sorry if that was not clear in my earlier posts, I was more speaking about silver lined reflectors that will show light changes on your subject in the wind.. for just white bounce the cheap fabric ones are ok but then the different problem still remains of holding them firmly in place without moving the entire thing and having the angle change on you.

If you're going to go fabric the key is using something with a solid frame.