Omega Reflector

manda

manda

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Amanda Herbert
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I'm due a new reflector soon and wondered about the Omega Reflector.

Has anyone real experience with it?

Thanks Mandy

EDIT New thread with portraits taken properly with the reflector. LINK
 
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Had to google that one - you mean this reflector http://www.fjwestcott.com/omega-reflector-kit with a removable centre panel to shoot through.

Now I remember when it was first announced how I thought it was rather a handy idea. But ever since then, I've somehow managed to get by without and forgotten about it. So that's a kind of answer, but it surely works as advertised and would suit your style of portraits.
 
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HoppyUK said:
I've somehow managed to get by without and forgotten about it. So that's a kind of answe
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•

Good conclusion, Richard!

@manda
I use, among others, a very large white reflector
when I want to wrap the subject. So large that my
son is behind me and I in front of the big white with-
out noticeable shadow on the model even at 4~5
meters.
 
Thinking about it again, there is a lot to like :thumbs: It produces quite a distinctive light, with 'different' catchlights in the eyes, and looking at Mandy's excellent portraits it could be good.

I can also imagine it acting as a very effective lens shade when shooting into the light, with careful positioning, and that alone is worth thinking about.
 
the other type to look for are the "zebra" type, which have striped silver and gold, or white and gold, think the posh brand names them sunlite and sunfire? cant remmber, but i got a 7 in 1 with zebra and its really nice colour cast on the reflection, not overly warm or cold like gold and silver can be as solo colours
 
Thanks for everyone's suggestions - I'm close to pressing the purchase button, even though I think it might be gear acquisition. I'll feed back either way! Mandy
 
Go for it!

I'm on my phone, but I dug out 3 articles describing the success of your approach. Would make a good magazine article? Search for: strobist blog post, studio any where guy and Jay Hicks.

I'm actively avoiding the DIY approach because I'm all about connecting with non-models, otherwise I'd do the same.

Mandy
 
Sir SR said:
Look forward to the results!
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Don't hold your breath ;) It's on a slow boat from China, and I'm thinking about a particular shoot that might not happen.

There are two ways I'm thinking of using it. With a largish rectangle cut out to shoot through, so the reflector can also act as an important and efficient lens shade when shooting into bright light. Reflector will be nearer the subject, positioning critical.

Then there's with a small hole cut out for the lens to poke through. That's positioning sorted, but reflector further away and no lens shading. I think Manda means Jake Hicks and he uses it in that way here, though I'm thinking outdoors http://jakehicksphotography.com/lat...-most-effective-one-light-setup-ive-ever-used

Another thing, with either method, is communication with the subject is going to be tricky.
 
HoppyUK said:
Don't hold your breath ;) It's on a slow boat from China, and I'm thinking about a particular shoot that might not happen.

There are two ways I'm thinking of using it. With a largish rectangle cut out to shoot through, so the reflector can also act as an important and efficient lens shade when shooting into bright light. Reflector will be nearer the subject, positioning critical.

Then there's with a small hole cut out for the lens to poke through. That's positioning sorted, but reflector further away and no lens shading. I think Manda means Jake Hicks and he uses it in that way here, though I'm thinking outdoors http://jakehicksphotography.com/lat...-most-effective-one-light-setup-ive-ever-used

Another thing, with either method, is communication with the subject is going to be tricky.
Click to expand...

I've decided NOT to purchase it and when for a trip-grip rip-off instead. However, I'm still obsessed by the ring light effect - did you ever make a DIY version? Thanks, Mandy
 
manda said:
…I'm still obsessed by the ring light effect…
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•


Amanda,

the problem with the ring light, mainly its reflection,
is that it is more a photographer pleasing feature
than say a client required feature.

I had, in the past, invested a lot of money on a ring
flash that only fashion related people were accepting
as they were always on the lookout for new looks.

The trend lasted some time but was doomed to almost
oblivion because of the eyes reflection not for the cool
quality of its light.
 
Kodiak Qc said:
•


Amanda,

the problem with the ring light, mainly its reflection,
is that it is more a photographer pleasing feature
than say a client required feature.

I had, in the past, invested a lot of money on a ring
flash that only fashion related people were accepting
as they were always on the lookout for new looks.

The trend lasted some time but was doomed to almost
oblivion because of the eyes reflection not for the cool
quality of its light.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your insights. I've just done two natural light / indoor shoots and loved the contrasting shadows. I noticed the non-models only liked the flat beauty light photos, so I shot more of them. This got me thinking about the reflector again (although I agree the eye shape is less attractive).
 
manda said:
I've decided NOT to purchase it and when for a trip-grip rip-off instead. However, I'm still obsessed by the ring light effect - did you ever make a DIY version? Thanks, Mandy
Click to expand...

It's one of my several work-in-progress projects Mandy. You know the sort ;) I have a couple of white/silver reflectors, 85cm and 100cm I think (round, for attractive catch-lights) so smaller than the Westcott, because I want to be able to use it without an assistant. With that in mind, it's not going to be quite the same but to maintain as much reflector area as possible I'm going for a small round hole. I've also got a rig (basically a modded reflector holder) that attaches to the camera's L-bracket in a way that makes it manageable, and with adjustable angles according to the position of the light. I'm quite pleased with that actually.

I just need to find some more time. I know it will work, and work pretty well for a certain kind of subject, but it's got to be practical, without an assistant, indoors and out. We'll see :)
 
manda said:
Well, I caved and bought the reflector. I'm not sure how effective it is though!!

Just kidding have a shoot today and hoping to use it in anger.
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Look forward to seeing the results [emoji106]
 
I can't lie - I wasn't very good during the session today.

Full of cold. Mid-day sun. Bitterly cold on the coastal front. Here's the best of the lot. Once I've got the hang of it, I'm sure I'll love it. But it was unwieldy and impossible to manage with my stand and holder.

14925455_1231363273604244_4323796470719859526_n.jpg
 
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