Table of Contents
light reflectors and diffusers
see also:
introduction
- lighting reflectors and diffusers are an important accessory for the portrait photographer in particular as they can soften harsh light such as sunlight using a diffuser, or provide a fill-in light to reduce contrast, or as a black flag to block light and increase contrast
- reflectors come in a variety of surfaces:
- white
- perhaps the most popular to provide a soft fill-in, great for bouncing harsh light sources such as sun or flash
- silver
- more punchier contrast than white, and popular for overcast conditions
- gold
- provides warmer tones to skin but can be hard to use well as it can create less than flattering yellow shadow fill-in around eyes, etc.
- black
- used to block light and thus decrease fill-in light and increase contrast
- silver-white or “soft silver”
- provides a half-way fill between white and silver
- gold-silver or “sunlite”
- provides a half-way fill between gold and silver
- diffusers come in different strengths such as 1 stop or 2 stop
commercial products
- most are circular foldable models and a multitude of manufacturers, so not included here as there are so many
Lastolite TriGrip / Triflips
- various versions including 18“, 30” and 40“, with the most popular being 30”
- are triangular and have a very useful hand grip for one handed holding or for mounting on a light stand +/- bounce flash for active lighting
- the base units tend to only have 2 reflector surface types and no diffuser
- Lastolite Professional Triflips 8:1 Deluxe Kit
- includes:
- 30“ TriGrip 2 stop diffuser
- set of TriFlip covers containing 7 different surface:
- white, silver, softsilver, gold, sunlite and sunfire reflective surfaces plus black
- air cushioned light stand to 3m high
- TriGrip bracket including bracket for bounce flash
- carry case with shoulder strap
- $AU485
Westcott Scrim Jim
- large modular frame which needs assembly but does give a nice large surface - great for full length body shots in studios sizes include 42”x42“, 42” x 71“, 71” x 71“ and 98” x 98“
- diffuser material available in 1/4, 3/4, 1, 1 1/4, and 1 1/2 stop
- silver and a white panel
- 3.5' long carry case for the 42” x 72“ rectangular kit
- ~$US299
- optional light stand clamp
- over 35 optional materials including net diffusers and chroma green/blue reversible backdrops
Westcott Omega
- designed by Australian photographer Jerry Ghionis
- large 38” x 45“ collapsible rectangular model with a unique removable 2:3 ratio cut out central rectangle through which one shoots to simulate a beauty dish / ring light quality
- great for working with a single backlit light source such as setting sun or flash
- can also act as a 1 stop diffuser on a window (has suction cups)
- folds to 14” / 36cm
Westcott Eyelighter
- curved rectangular mounted reflector for lighting eyes and giving lovely catchlights
