Help with reflectors!!

[KarenAylwood]

I'm looking to buy a portable collapsible reflector- probably some 5-in-1 kind so I can get the silver, gold, white, etc. But I really have no idea where to start. I'm not a professional and am not the greatest at lighting but would like to improve and mess around a bit. I took some pics for a friend recently of her 5 month old and I found myself wishing I had just a little bit more light.

There seems to be tons to choose from- with stand or without (I don't always have an assistant so I'd assume with would be helpful), and then there's 22'',32'' or 42'' in diameter. If anything it'd be family shots of a few people or just one person. I really want to mess around on my own with it to see what works and what doesn't.

For those with reflectors- what do you use? I was looking at this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/283646-REG/Impact_CRK_32K_32_5_in_1_Reflector_with.html

 

[photo_chick]

The best reflector I have in my studio setup is a clean sheet of white museum board (about $5). It works better than any store bought reflectors I have. I clamp it to a C stand. It's not collapsible, but it's easily replaceable when it gets dirty or messed up.

 

[YesDear]

I agree with Danielle. I use a white board. I also have the one you reference in your post. They both work well. The stand works well but a person to hold it is always best.

 

[KarenAylwood]

Thanks for your help guys- whatever it is, what size do you generally use?

I'm looking for something collapsible because I'd like to take it with me places. A white board would be fine if I was just shooting at home, but I was looking for a collapsible one for easy travel.

 

[ukcatfan]

I have used my car windshield sun protector before. It is collapsible, white on one side and silver on the other, and it cost ~$10 from Target. It is certainly no professional tool, but works. Plus, it is always in my car anyway.

 

[MICKEY88]

I have both of these



http://www.ebay.com/itm/40-x60-5-in-1-Collapsible-Multi-Photo-Light-Reflector-Kit-for-Photography-Video-/290721396219?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43b05875fb


http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-110CM-Collapsible-Multi-Disc-Reflector/dp/B002ZIMEMW/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339084216&sr=8-1-spell

 

[photo_chick]

as far as size, I use a 16x20 board most of the time. It's what I keep on hand for matting work so I've always got some both at home and in my car.