Studio background reflectors, do they work well?

[connersz]

I'm trying to make my entire studio setup a little bit smaller and was looking for something more compact to light white backdrops with. I know of these special background reflectors but was wondering how well they work? do they have an even coverage or any spill?

They are available in silver or white coatings on the inside, any thoughts/experiences would be welcomed.

 

[simonbarker]

As I understand it they're designed to give you a gradient and prevent any spill.

Not seen one with a white reflective surface but I'd assume silver would be the preferred choice.

 

[Tunbridge]

I'm sure you will have read this thread but if not here it is

https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/white-backgrounds-in-a-limited-space.584253/

I have two of these and they are a significant improvement on trying to either use the standard reflector or an umbrella to light the background in a limited space.

That said they don't defy physics, if you have a limited space and a load of reflective surfaces (white background, white ceiling, etc) you will still have issues with light going where you don't want it too and spilling onto the back of your subject. But it is better than not having them. I have what is a relatively big home studio but it is still where near big enough to get round the problem altogether, but these do help things. I guess all i'm saying is don't buy them and expect miracles but they will offer you more control and less spill than using a standard reflector in a limited space.

Regarding the silver/white coating. I have two, both lencarta, but bought at different times, the older one is silver, the newer is white. And to be honest when lighting a white background the difference isn't noticeable.

 

[Diving Pete]

The white versions can quickly become silver with the application of tin foil....

 

[JennyGW]

I'm trying to make my entire studio setup a little bit smaller and was looking for something more compact to light white backdrops with. I know of these special background reflectors but was wondering how well they work? do they have an even coverage or any spill?

They are available in silver or white coatings on the inside, any thoughts/experiences would be welcomed.

I'd never thought of using these for a white background.

I was thinking of buying one for ages for a gradient backgrund, but I've settled with a standard 7" reflector with a bit of diffusion material (actually, the white diffuser from the front of my beauty dish which I rarely use with a diffuser) and I'm happy with the gradient I'm getting. It also means I can swing the light around for a rim/separation/hair light without messing about changing reflectors. I can't say I've noticed any problems with spill.

 

[Denyerec]

I have two of these for crosslighting white seamless, or for backlight/rimlight on the subject if I'm in a limited space and want to avoid spill onto the background (Essentially using it in reverse)

I have the white lined versions, elinchrom. I find them really, really useful.

 

[connersz]

I decided not to get them in the end and instead I am going to try and scale back as much of my white background photos as possible. It's not that I don't like using a white background. It's the fact that they need an addition two lights + modifiers and a lot of room to play with which is often not available in my clients homes.