Anyone use reflectors?

[stayawake]

I was reading an article in a paper scrap mag about portraits and it recommends screening the subject with a white sheet to diffuse light and use a white foam board as a reflector. I have been asked to take some portraits in a few weeks outside, and I was wondering if anyone has used a foam board for a reflector before, or if anyone made their own or uses professional reflectors for portrait photography?
The photographer at our wedding used a reflector and it helped so much as the sun was setting at 4:00 when our photos were finishing!
Any advice, insite, or recommendations would be appreciated

[Kim2002]

Yes, I have used them for professional work. They are great in that they bounce the light back up onto the subject so that the subject is more evenly lit.

[stayawake]

I've been asked to take some outdoor shots for a group that wants group shots and head shots of their staff, and for a few families who want portraits. I am SO not a professional photorapher but I want to try. I really think a reflector might help. Has anyone made their own from foam core/tin foil or anything similar? Is the effect at least close to the professional reflectors?

[Kim2002]

Yes you can use foam core from an art supply place and it works pretty well. :D It is rather unwieldy, though, and you will either need a stand and a clamp to hold it in place or, as the previous poster suggested, get an assistant to hold it for you.

I would play around at home for a bit with this concept so you can really get a feel for how to manipulate the light.

Have fun!

[Kelly Berryman]

I have a small professional one by Photoflex - it really helps with outdoor shots to get fill light. The color of the reflector can have a big impact on your photo. Mine is white on one side, and gold on the other. I'm excited to use the gold more this fall. The reflector was a huge help on the beach. It really gave the photos a warm glow.

Here's a picture of my son at the beach using a reflector. Without it, his hair/face were shaded and flat.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/kelly4me15/CamReflectSmall.jpg

B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/) has some fairly reasonable reflector disks. I haven't purchased a holder for the disk yet, but I hope to in the future.

Hope that helps.

[stayawake]

Thanks!! I think I'll pick up some foam core this weekend and play a bit. I was assistant to a friend of mine for a wedding, and helped her with her reflector. I have someone to help for these portraits, so I think that will be fine this time around.

I saw some reflectors on ebay for $3 and $4 so I think I'll pick one up there. :)

[rebecca]

I have used foam in the past but I like the results so much more with my 5 in one reflector. You could even use foil around the foam if you need a brighter reflector.