Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time
Foamcore are an incredible asset for work inside and outside the studio, but there is always the question of mounting them. One way is using a reflector arm and another is holding them with pony clamps, there is even a DIY holding solution.
Photographer Tony Roslund shares another low-budget option which I really like: Using a baby plate and some gaff tape.
5-in-1 reflector is a super-handy tool for both bounding and diffusing the light. Arron Nace from Phlearn shows you seven different setups you can create using a single light, with the addition of a reflector or even simple foamcore. Both the reflector and the foamcore are pretty cheap, yet they are versatile and can help you create a whole lot of lighting setups. Check out some of Arron’s suggestions for using them for portrait photography, both in the studio and outside in the sunlight.
It was a while ago now that I posted about using a single light to create a stunning beauty setup with only an additional reflector. At the time that article was shared and posted everywhere including all the big photo sites. In fact it seemed so popular at the time that the link I shared within the article that linked back to a cheap reflector sold nearly 60 of them in a couple of hours hahaha (if only I’d been selling reflectors that day 😉 ). But if you missed it, here’s the basics; the setup requires a medium sized silver reflector with a lens sized hole in the middle of it and a large softbox…that’s it.
For the complete article and details please follow the link here, Simplest and most effective single single light setup I’ve ever used.
So now that you’ve read that and you now have your reflector with a hole in it, it’s now time to take it to the next level. As those that have been following my work for a while will know, it was only a matter of time before I added some colour to this technique and although this won’t blow you away with colour, it’s a subtle look that can certainly add a little more interest to a currently simple looking shot.
Mirrorless cameras and high-power speedlights have reduced the size of gear, just like they promised. But the softbox still remains the largest piece and takes up a lot of space. Vincent Palma and Vilhelm von Platen wanted to change this, so they created Sundisc. It’s a light, compact and ultra-portable reversible softbox that fits in your camera bag and that you can carry everywhere. You can attach it directly to your speedlight, and it also doubles as a reflector with both warm and cool light.
Folding reflectors, softboxes and backgrounds are awesome. There’s no two ways about it. They pack down really small for transport or storage, they pop up quickly when you need them, and they’re really lightweight. As a location shooter, they’re perfect for me. Even my white balance card folds away like a reflector. Whatever helps pack the gear down into the smallest and lightest space possible is welcome.
But once they start getting to a certain size, they can become quite troublesome. Gravity kicks in, which then either becomes your best friend or your worst enemy. But there is a simple way to fold up these giant reflectors and backgrounds. In this video, photographer Jason Lanier shows us exactly how it’s done.
If you are searching for one reflector to rule them all, this may be the one. Westcott has introduced the new Omega Reflector 360, which can be used in a number of situations. You can use it as a traditional or a shoot-through reflector, with natural or strobe light, and with four different covers and a diffuser. When you only have a single light source, this reflector can really come in handy.
Reflector is most likely the second or the third thing most of us buy after the camera. If you are a portrait photographer, you probably use it a lot. But are you using it properly? In this video, Joe Edelman teaches you how to use the reflector properly and create flattering light for your subject when shooting outdoors. And the way to do it is actually very simple.
If you are leaving in the US, you know that Home Depot is the photographer’s best friend. And if you are reading this blog, you know that we are big fans of foamboard reflectors. Joe Edelman made quite a clever holder for those using $3 of Home Depot PVC piping stuff.
I know that there are other ways to mount a foam board reflector, but this is just too light and cheap to be ignored as an option.
Two weeks ago we asked you if you can toss a reflector behind your back folded and catch it open. Apparently, it was not as an easy task as we thought. (you can practice, 5-in-1 reflectors are cheap, just remember they are out to get you).
13 photographers took a shot at this dangerous trick. Watch them ace or fail this dangerous trick! (The reward however is awesome! aside OWNING your reflector, two winners also got a Light Blaster kit)
Huge congrats to DextDee Livingstone and Dan Lior for the win! Shoot yours and show us in the comments.
We’ve all seen bags before that feature things like built in white balance or exposure tools. My Lowepro Slingshot, for example, while not neutral, seems pretty close to 18% grey when I open up the flap. Perfect for quickly metering while out and about. But what about a built in reflector? Well, that’s the new Flash Bag.
The Flash Bag is essentially a messenger style camera bag. When you open up the front flap, it turns into a shiny metallic silver reflector. It doesn’t seem large enough to use as a full time reflector for many shoots, and it’s probably not the most ergonomic of reflectors for regular use, either. But, it could be handy in a pinch.
You can find out more about John on his website and follow his adventures on YouTube and Facebook.
can change a lens mid-rappel, swap a memory card while treading water, or use a camel as a light stand.
To see more of his work please visit his studio website blurMEDIAphotography, or follow him on Twitter, 500px, Google Plus or YouTube.
JP’s photography is available for licensing at Stocksy United.
Find my work on My website or follow me on Facebook or My page
