Reflectors...

[jsbn]

Yesterday took out a remaining piece of black cardboard and wondered what to do with it.

All of a sudden I had this crazy idea and used the black cardboard like a bounce card for my flash to test shoot a photo (not like black colour can bounce any light anyway).

There's something called 'subtracting light' using reflectors as I'd recall vaguely. So, assuming if a shoot is carried out outdoors under very strong light, is this the point where black reflectors come in?

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

Originally Posted by jsbn Yesterday took out a remaining piece of black cardboard and wondered what to do with it. All of a sudden I had this crazy idea and used the black cardboard like a bounce card for my flash to test shoot a photo (not like black colour can bounce any light anyway). There's something called 'subtracting light' using reflectors as I'd recall vaguely. So, assuming if a shoot is carried out outdoors under very strong light, is this the point where black reflectors come in?

from wat i know.... black reflectors are just to minimise reflections... for eg, if you are taking a reflective area, like metal or maybe the eyes for such matter. dun think light bounce on black card will produce black light... or even shadow...

[ortega]

black cards are called gobos

http://www.worldwidewords.org/weirdwords/ww-gob2.htm

[ortega]

in your case it would be used to block light from going past it.

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

Originally Posted by ortega black cards are called gobos http://www.worldwidewords.org/weirdwords/ww-gob2.htm

i thought gobos are those cards used to put between the flash & the subject... so that there is a cut off at that area you do not want flash...

[ortega]

yup but black cards used for controlling light are also called gobos or barn doors if you will

[knoxknocks]

yup gobos is the correct term.

kinda like providing negative fill

[Splutter]

Yes there's something called subtracting light. Usually I use blackboards when I want the light fade off to be even greater. This is usually used for dramatic lighting. Of course, have to position it such that there's still shadow details.

[reachme2003]

primary purpose is to shield light where it is not desired. can be between light and light, subject, background and camera too.

[jsbn]

I'm wondering if in places where there's a high degree of reflectivity (like ROM where they've got glass, mirrors & reflective walls) how could this gobo come into play?

[Spectrum]

Originally Posted by jsbn I'm wondering if in places where there's a high degree of reflectivity (like ROM where they've got glass, mirrors & reflective walls) how could this gobo come into play?

Use your brain, use your brain, use your brain..... I also don't know how to solve leh after using my brain.

[jsbn]

Think..... think.....

[catchlights]

Originally Posted by jsbn I'm wondering if in places where there's a high degree of reflectivity (like ROM where they've got glass, mirrors & reflective walls) how could this gobo come into play?

If mirror is in the background, just simply just angle yourself to avoid reflection, or use someone body to block your own refection.

[Spectrum]

What if a place have mirrors on ceilings & on walls too? How to aviod?

[catchlights]

Originally Posted by Spectrum What if a place have mirrors on ceilings & on walls too? How to aviod?

Ceiling have mirrors, use direct flash.
all walls have mirror, shoot tight crop.

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

if go into room full of mirrors... den break them lor..

anyway, a gobo isn't going to help much, unless you wanna 'gobo' the whole place up...

[Spectrum]

Originally Posted by catchlights Ceiling have mirrors, use direct flash. all walls have mirror, shoot tight crop.

Ahh.... Learn some good tips. Thanks a lot bro. Tight crop & direct flash.

[catchlights]

Originally Posted by Spectrum Ahh.... Learn some good tips. Thanks a lot bro. Tight crop & direct flash.

You're welcomed, infact, I always encounter this kind of situation, subjects stand infront of mirror, I just simply angle myself not shooting direct to the mirror, or lower my camera height a little, the subjects will block the reflection of my flash, hope this help.

[Spectrum]

Originally Posted by catchlights You're welcomed, infact, I always encounter this kind of situation, subjects stand infront of mirror, I just simply angle myself not shooting direct to the mirror, or lower my camera height a little, the subjects will block the reflection of my flash, hope this help.

Wah! Some more tips! Double thanks bro.

[ortega]

places with mirrors everywhere?

sounds kinky....