What fabric works best as a lightweight white reflector on location?
Asked 1/14/2016
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I like using V-flats on location, but they are bulky to transport in a small car and can be difficult to manage in wind. I was considering buying a piece of white fabric from a fabric store and stretching it between two light stands with clamps so it would pack smaller and weigh less. Is there a type of white fabric that reflects light similarly to the white side of a V-flat, or is there a better portable option for outdoor use?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
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The 2 lightstands is not a good option for reflective surface for locations. It is a waste of 1 lightstand anyway. And you have now a big parashute.
Take a look at big foldable reflectors: https://www.google.com.mx/search?q=foldable+big+reflector&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj-9f2xrarKAhXKqR4KHSeyBGgQ_AUIBygB&biw=1177&bih=625 The aditional advantage when using it with a boom arm is that you can control the angle of it. Do not abuse the size, becouse if it is too large it could be dificult to controll. Probably a good combination is one about 30" for portraits and one or two bigger for group shoots.
For backgrounds the 2 lightstands are not sufficient. It is important that the bar attaching them is firm, you also need some sandbags. https://www.google.com.mx/search?q=background+stand
For a fabric for background you need a strechable one so you can get away the wrincles. Search for some that has some lycra on it. A common one is Muslin http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/muslin-fabric-backgrounds/ci/23716/N/3974362653
Normally the fabric has less reflection becouse is translucid, so some light passes to the other side.
Be carefull on one thing. Sinthetic fabric can have a non white color, normally purple or magenta one, so take some samples and make some sample photos.
Originally by user37321. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user37321
10y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
White fabric can reflect light, but stretched fabric on two stands is usually a poor substitute for a rigid V-flat outdoors. It tends to behave like a sail in the wind, can be hard to control, and may still require stands, a solid crossbar, and sandbags for stability.
A better portable option is a large foldable reflector. These are made for this purpose, pack down small, and are easier to position and angle—especially when mounted carefully. For portraits, something around 30 inches can be practical, while larger sizes may help for groups but become harder to control.
If you do try fabric, keep expectations modest: it will act more like a soft white bounce than a rigid flat reflector, and support hardware matters as much as the material. For anything background-sized, two stands alone are generally not enough; you need a firm support bar and proper weighting.
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