Reflector (very amateur)

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planetf1

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Hi,
I have a Nikon D90 + SB600 flash (& 18-200 VR lens). I just started SLR photography middle of last year so definately in the "newbie" amateur category.

When taking portraits of the family (not planned, just when out/about) I'm realising that getting the right lighting takes a lot of thought!, so I'm thinking investing in a simple reflector (that I can use at home AND when out/about) would be useful.

With that in mind what would be recommended? I carry my gear in a lowepro fastPack 200, so something that collapses into that kind of size would be useful. Probably a basic silver/white reflector? What kind of size?

Longer term I'm realising that a single flash doesn't really cut it. I had been thinking about something like the Interfit EX150 Mk.II (2 or 3 head) pack, but this would really only be for trying studio-type photography at home, and won't really help when out/about.

With that in mind wondering whether a second SB600/umbrella/stand may be a wiser long-term proposal. Thoughts? (I'd guess the answer is "it depends"). Something to chat with some photo friends with at a later date!

For now simple low cost ideas & practice/feedback seem the sensible route!
 
Just to clarify, with Nikon CLS I do have the SB600 and (optionally) the on-camera flash.
 
I'm thinking for sticking in a bag a manufactured option may be better.

So something like
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-interfit-int227-easy-grip-reflector-silver-white/p1007498 (interfit INT 227 rectangular silver/white 90x60 cm)
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-lastolite-75cm-30-inch-square-reflector-silver-white/p12347 (Lastolite Silver/white 90cm circular)

might be good options?

Are these big enough to be useful? Are they robust?
I'm just looking for anything that could be helpful yet is relatively cheap/simple whilst I learn... and am not sure what to look for other than I think a dual silver/white surface is probably useful....
 
I have a Lastolite 30" Circular reflector I use when using studio as well as natural light, its pretty robust and comes with 2 double sided silver/white/gold covers. Comes in handy when I do headshots and half body portrait work. ( can also be used as a shoot-through diffuser if need be) I think it cost me around £30 from LCE. Folds up easily into a small circular bag provided no bigger than 30cm in diameter.

however I know you can get something similar that will do the same job for less on ebay
 
Well, if you're going to go for a studio kit for your home use then take a look at the Lencarta SmartFlash 200 kits

The bonus is that a 5 in 1 reflector is included in every kit, so that will take care of your outdoor problem:)
And the 5 in 1 reflector includes a diffuser, very useful for placing between the sun and the subject, when we see the sun that is...

Folds up into a small bag that you can easily carry with you.
 
I went with this one - Obviously:lol: CLICKY CLIKY


(not planned, just when out/about)
Click to expand...

Its not very impromptu though - you will need someone to hold it and then the shot will not be candid at all - more posed IMHO

Still a good little reflector for bouncing natural light and getting a real warmth to a shot - :thumbs:


OOoops mine was GOLD and WHITE -:bonk:
 
Can you not try using the popup on the D90 as commander but set to --- so as to only fire CLS preflashes and use the SB600 off camera?

Can you post of pics to show us what you are unhappy with where you have used the flash?

Have you tried using a diffuser of some kind?

John.
 
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