Gear

Collapsible reflectors: versatile, functional and indispensable

Collapsible reflectors should be in every photographer’s arsenal of tools.

They are cheap, easy to use and can provide a quick means to control contrast in a scene. (Mouseover the image above and see what the scene looked like without the fill from a reflector)

Using the large collapsible reflector--For big groups outdoors in contrasty light, in the late evening, the gold side of the reflector works to match the warm color temperature of the evening sun.
Using the large collapsible reflector–For big groups outdoors in contrasty light, in the late evening, the gold side of the reflector works to match the warm color temperature of the evening sun. (Mouse over the large group picture above to see the effect of the reflector) Photo by Carrie Messey.


Some even allow you to remove the external fabric to reveal a sheer fabric which can be used as a diffuser.

On overcast days, the gold reflector can make skin tones appear healthier.
On overcast days, the gold reflector can make skin tones appear healthier.

They all fold away into a wire frame that is light weight.

They have their shortcomings though, so keep those in mind and you’ll be ready.

  • they become awkward and unyielding outdoors when it’s windy
  • they aren’t really a light source so if your only source of light isn’t bright, you can’t generate more light than what’s available.
  • over time, the shiny reflective surface of the fabric will fade as the finish on the fabric wears off
  • folding them and getting back into their pouch requires practice

In a location portraiture session of two siblings above  with my students from UC Riverside Extension Center class, we arrived late in the evening to make full use of the directional light. (Mouse over the image to see the an overall of the scene.)

young boy with skateboard on shoulders
Jim Cady used a speedlight in a white shoot through umbrella on the left to light our model Orion. The round silvered reflector on the right filled the shadows on the other side of his face. Canon 6D ISO 400 1/200sec f5.6 135mm lens

IMG_4257When I taught my “Moving from Snapshots to Portraits” workshop at the Riverside Art Museum,  I used these to show students the possibilities using available light and just reflectors on the first part of our workshop.

IMG_3032
I shot this portrait of Jessica Neblina in the atrium of the Riverside Art Museum using a round silvered collapsible reflector held in place with clamps on a light stand.ISO 200 !/250 @f1.4 50 mm lens Canon 5D Mark2. By choosing a dark background behind Jessica, I was able to direct even more attention to Jessica’s pretty face specifically her eyes because of the catchlights created by the reflector.
Here's what the scene looked like when I switched to a wider angle 35mm lens to show the atrium.
Here’s what the scene looked like when I switched to a wider angle 35mm lens to show the atrium.

During the 2nd portion of the workshop when we worked with Speedlights and we used the same reflectors.

We used the same reflectors with speed lights to control contrast, selectively lighten strategic parts of our subjects and also as a gobo.

Used as a gobo or “go–between-of” the reflectors functioned as a shield to stop light to certain parts when placed between the subject and a light source.

Used as a portable backdrop


Even after these reflectors lose their sheen and aren’t throwing back as much light, they can still be useful as a backdrop.

Instead of breaking out a background stand for a simple headshot, I just stand my old full size reflector behind my subject and drape a muslin or some other fabric over it.

In less than 2 minutes, I have a nice seamless background perfect for headshots.
Peter Phun Photography

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