Photography reflectors: the best options for every situation

Photography Reflectors: colours and sizes for any situation

The number of photography reflectors is vast and can sometimes be overhwelming. Never fear, we've taken a look at some of the top photography reflectors for a number different shooting environments, as well as explain the effect of their many colours

California Sunbounce
Sunbounce has an extensive range of products, including rectangular reflectors which come in four sizes: Micro Mini, Mini, Pro and Big.

The super-light collapsible frame is compatible with all of its screens, allowing you to turn the reflector into a diffuser or just change the colour. The frames are made from aluminium and can be extended to 135cm and collapsed down to just 8cm.

The frame has bars and integrated clamp which allow you to attach the reflector to a tripod or simply hold it comfortably in your hand. As well as the rectangular reflectors Sunbounce has a circular make called Sun Movers, which come in two colours. When you get a reflector from Sunbounce you are buying a frame and the selected screen; interchangeable screens are available from the website.

Size: 130/190cm (c4ft/6ft) Pro frame and gold/white screen
Price: €329 (£289)

Perfect For: The California Sunbounce reflector is perfect for outdoor use. Larger photography reflectors need less precision and can light larger areas or subjects. The aluminium frame makes it easier to hold and position.

Westcott
As well as single reflectors, Westcott produces reflector kits which consist of two diffusion panels (frames) and four different slip covers, allowing you to achieve different effects with just one kit. Along with reflectors Westcott also manufactures lighting stands and accessories.

The single reflectors come in four colour combinations, and six sizes, and can be collapsed to a third of their open size. Reflectors from Westcott are fairly priced and each comes with a nylon carry case and instructional DVD.

Size: 20in (50cm) gold/white reflector (1204 style)
Price: $38.10 (£23.50)

Perfect For: This photography reflector is great for head shots and product shots. Measuring only 20in at its widest, the 1204 style reflector is ideal for portraits or when you need to be very precise and illuminate a small area.

Lastolite
Reflectors come in many variations with Lastolite; alongside standard circular reflectors it produces UpLite, Skylite and TriGrip options.

TriGrip is the latest addition to the range; the triangular frame features a moulded handle, making it easier to hold, perfect for situations where a smaller reflector is required.

The classic circular reflectors come in six sizes and seven colour combinations. The circular reflectors are collapsible to a third of their original size, making them portable and easy to pop up. Lastolite gives a lifetime guarantee on its reflectors’ rims.

Size: 1.2m (47in) Lastolite large TriGrip Sunlite/soft silver
Price: £80 - available from www.calumetphoto.co.uk

Perfect For: The TriGrip photography reflector is perfect for lighting larger areas or subjects with a soft warming affect, great for both outdoor and studio use.

WexPro
Online retailer Warehouse Express has created its own range of reflectors, available in six sizes. As well as single reflectors, WexPro features five-in-one and seven-in-one kits.

All of the WexPro reflectors can collapse to a third of their original size and come in a carry bag.

Size: 110cm (43in) silver/gold (1518795)
Price: £20

Perfect For: The WexPro photography reflector is perfect for group portraits; though fairly large this 110cm reflector is portable and comfortable to hold.

Interfit
Interfit produces reflectors in four different sizes, with its smallest measuring just 30cm which is ideal when shooting products. Single reflectors from Interfit come in three colour combinations and the company also makes five-in-one kits, allowing you to achieve five different effects from one frame.

Size: 82cm (32in) silver/white (Int233)
Price: £31.60

Perfect For: Portraits; shooting indoors or out, this reflector is ideal for providing a neutral starting point and for adding contrast.

WHY NOT CONSIDER... a reflector bracket...

The aluminium INT274 adjustable reflector bracket from Interfit is an ideal piece of kit to have to hand for any shoot. It allows you to secure your reflector to the height and position needed, and will support up to a 42in reflector. The bracket is compatible with most lighting stands.
£27.99.

Photography Reflector Colours Explained

Silver: Silver gives you a neutral starting point, which is important for both film and stills. Silver is great for accentuating detail and gives off the brightest reflection.

Silver/white: These reflectors are excellent for adding contrast.

Gold/White: Gold and white reflectors are ideal for creating a bit of warmth.

Soft Sun/White: These colours subtly warm up skin tone and are used in wedding and portrait work because the soft sun does not add false colour.

Zebra/White: The zig-zag silver and gold coated surface reflects light warmly. It creates healthy-looking skin tones in portraits, an effect which is more noticeable in cooler, rather than warmer, ambient light.

Black Reflectors: These are useful for making sure light isn’t reflected on shiny surfaces or areas which might ruin the shot.

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