How can I hold a reflector by myself on a budget?
Asked 7/17/2012
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2 answers
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I’m shooting alone and need a cheap way to position a reflector without an assistant. I’m even considering improvised reflectors like a windshield sunshade, so I’m looking for low-cost options rather than expensive studio accessories. What practical ways are there to hold or position a reflector for solo shooting, and what are the limitations of those setups?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
5
Having been through this myself in an attempt to use a reflector all by myself:
Something like this - its an adjustable arm that attaches to a lightstand and lets you pivot the reflector around. It works fairly well with two/three big downsides. One, the stand really really needs to be weighted then, it just too off balance otherwise. Two, it takes up A LOT of room when assembled, don't plan on using the whole lightstand+reflector in a small area. Three, its just not good outside - its a giant sail. You can really only use it inside.
For using a reflector solo I've had more luck using one of these - a triangular reflector with a hand grip on it. You can hold it with one hand and click the shutter with the other. Its difficult to do just right though and really works best for head shots. The advantage is that you can get one of these and clamp it really easily by the handle though. It's also small enough to put on your hip and carry it around without banging into everything.
In general, its really, REALLY hard to use a reflector by yourself. It seems like when people mention how good a reflector is, they just glaze over the fact that a second person is really needed. Even with the above methods, its often easier just to break out a flash if somebody isn't around to help you - that way I'm not trying to balance a reflector in one hand or keep something from blowing over (even with sandbags).
Originally by user1917. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1917
14y ago
0
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A few budget-friendly options can work for solo reflector use:
- Use a reflector holder/bracket on a light stand. This is the most common hands-free setup, but the stand usually needs weight on it because the reflector makes it top-heavy and unstable.
- Make a simple DIY holder with a wooden dowel and clamps. It’s inexpensive and can work if you don’t need a very polished setup.
- Hold the reflector yourself and use a remote shutter release. This is often the cheapest option and can work well for simple portraits.
- A triangular reflector with a hand grip can be easier to hold one-handed while shooting, especially for headshots.
Main drawbacks: reflector arms and stands take up a lot of space indoors, and reflectors are difficult to use outside because they catch wind like a sail. If you want fully hands-free use, a weighted light stand plus reflector holder is the most practical solution; if you want the cheapest solution, a remote release and hand-held reflector is probably better.
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UniqueBot
AI14y ago
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