Flash or reflector?


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depending on wat shoot it is.

and depending on whether u r only at one location, or constantly moving

depending on time of the day

depending on if u have an assistant

lots of factors to consider, maybe u can describe ur situation
 

yea.. bring both.. they serve different functions.. although being lit by a reflector is preferable i think..
 

depending on wat shoot it is.

and depending on whether u r only at one location, or constantly moving moving around maybe a small area- park, building...

depending on time of the day evening

depending on if u have an assistant no

lots of factors to consider, maybe u can describe ur situation

how? thanks :)
 

Depends on the mood u want to create. Assuming ambient light is plenty, u can use reflector for closer natural feel, and flash if u want artificial feel. Even flash, u will have to ask what u have, as using flash without professional difussing elements like softbox or umbrella can be quite harsh on subject(Presuming shooting woman), unless the model has flawless skin, very well done makeup, or both. And when using flash, u can only use the maximum shutter speed according to the sync speed, unless u using leaf shutter system, and so may limit your maximum aperture usage. Never use camera mounted flash unless u just want to document a shot, cos beautiful pics never came from such set up, in my opinion. Hope it helps:)
 

Never use camera mounted flash unless u just want to document a shot, cos beautiful pics never came from such set up, in my opinion. Hope it helps:)

i don't think that is true

there are many beautiful images made with camera mounted flash
 

i don't think that is true

there are many beautiful images made with camera mounted flash

I believe such shots are only using the flash to such a low power that it just gives a slight fill, thats all. But it can never compare to proper strobe set up or reflector, else no professionals will be using them, as camera mounted flash is so convenient.
 

I hardly use reflector for my outdoor portraits shoots, always find the right light to do my shots.

flash, maybe, unless I want the effect that only flash can give me.

I seen many people overuse the reflector, the fill are too strong, or become a secondary light source, the worst is bottom lighting, like horror movie lighting.
 

Using flash or reflector is like using garlic in cooking - a little goes a long way and too much spoils the taste. Also some time do just plain do not need it.
 

I like to use a huge reflector :)
 

would be a bit counter-productive if you did... seeing as you like to underexpose your shots..

You had merely posted one miserable series of so-called portraits on 28.5.06, where you received some very juvenile comments from some self-delusioned "photographer", and you now pretend to know about how I expose my images by just looking at my images?

You can tell by looking at my pictures to say that I like to underexpose my shots?

I usually ignore people who exhibit stupidity. Such delf-delusioned people are best left in the company of other self-delusion people. You belong to each other.

But do not try to confuse others with your stupid comments.

For the thread starter, let me clarify why I do not need reflectors or flash for my photography ooutdoors.

# 1 To me, nothing kills the natural atmosphere of the image than flash. Flash can definitely be used in outdoors, and can be used successfully to make nice images. But the images are artificial, something which do not appeal to me at all. Others may like these types of images. But not me. Hence my statement "For me, neither".

#2 Reflectors are often used to lighten up dark areas, and can also be used successfully to make images outdoors. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, I prefer to train my eyes to see how light exposes something and understand how the shadows fall. In this way. I prefer to let shadows create mystery, instead of clearing the mystery. That is my preference. Hence my statement "For me, neither"
 

so what are the generally guidelines in chosing between them both?

Ther is no rule or magic formula. Its all about what kind of look you want to acheive. I tend to shoot with 1 flash for fill only as i prefer to sue outdoor lighitng. Evening shots espcialy portrait ones are hard to pull off though but theres plenty of oppertunity to be creative.
 

You can tell by looking at my pictures to say that I like to underexpose my shots?
Dont know why you are getting so offended. its a fact thats obvious by just looking at them. and before you get all high handed, i didn't say that its wrong in your case. its just a stylistic choice.
secondly, its interesting to note that despite you taking such a strong stance about DP's commentary style, you yourself can do no better than calling my portraits "so-called" and "miserable"? haha. right. i fully agree, the first time i posted, they werent great portraits. it was my first ever photo shoot etc etc. but at least DP pointed me in the right direction. which is far better than what you have done here with your comments. you hypocrite.

oh. and btw... i remember making an observation, that you dont seem to be able to take any kind of comments or criticism of your own work without getting worked up in a lather..
well.. seems to me, you've just helped me prove my point.

I usually ignore people who exhibit stupidity. Such delf-delusioned people are best left in the company of other self-delusion people. You belong to each other.

You seem to be doing a good job of ignoring it here..

For the thread starter, let me clarify why I do not need reflectors or flash for my photography ooutdoors.

# 1 To me, nothing kills the natural atmosphere of the image than flash. Flash can definitely be used in outdoors, and can be used successfully to make nice images. But the images are artificial, something which do not appeal to me at all. Others may like these types of images. But not me. Hence my statement "For me, neither".

#2 Reflectors are often used to lighten up dark areas, and can also be used successfully to make images outdoors. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, I prefer to train my eyes to see how light exposes something and understand how the shadows fall. In this way. I prefer to let shadows create mystery, instead of clearing the mystery. That is my preference. Hence my statement "For me, neither"

at last. if anything, im glad you at least spent some time to explain further your photographic choices because frankly, your initial comments were completely unhelpful to the TS.
 

Dont know why you are getting so offended. its a fact thats obvious by just looking at them. and before you get all high handed, i didn't say that its wrong in your case. its just a stylistic choice.

Again you showed a total ignorance in the matter of trying to know how a photographer exposed his shots and the final image. Maybe the ONE who likes to commend on others photography just might be able to correct you, assuming he knows.

jdredd said:
secondly, its interesting to note that despite you taking such a strong stance about DP's commentary style, you yourself can do no better than calling my portraits "so-called" and "miserable"? haha. right.

You prefer me to call those photos "sucks"? The word "Sucks" is better than "so-called" and "miserable"? Or shall I do better than DP and called them "sh1t"?

jdreed said:
i fully agree, the first time i posted, they werent great portraits. it was my first ever photo shoot etc etc. but at least DP pointed me in the right direction. which is far better than what you have done here with your comments. you hypocrite.

Firsly, I have absolutely no intention to give anything useful to you. I would rather give things to pigs. You barge into my comments to this TS and showed off your stupidity.

Secondly, DP led you into the right direction? Don't make me laugh! With utmost restrain, I will not make any clarifcation.

jdredd said:
oh. and btw... i remember making an observation, that you dont seem to be able to take any kind of comments or criticism of your own work without getting worked up in a lather..
well.. seems to me, you've just helped me prove my point.

Well, giving you the benefit of the doubt that you just might has a vestige of brain, show me ONE INSTANCE where I demonstrated that I could not take any kind of comments or criticism of my work, and I worked up a lather.

Just showed one ONE INSTANCE.

If you can, I will say sorry.

If you can't, then stop spewing nonsense and propanganda.


jdredd said:
at last. if anything, im glad you at least spent some time to explain further your photographic choices because frankly, your initial comments were completely unhelpful to the TS.

Not only you like to show your stupidity, you also show a complete inability to read.

What did the TS asked? Did he asked specifically for an explanation of choices? Any further explanation by any posters to his original question is going beyond his original question.

While he may ask about flash and reflectors, I had given him another perspective of outdoors people photography, one which many photographers had employed successfully. Want to know some names?

Oh! I forgot. I show let the pigs know these names.
 

I believe such shots are only using the flash to such a low power that it just gives a slight fill, thats all. But it can never compare to proper strobe set up or reflector, else no professionals will be using them, as camera mounted flash is so convenient.

really? i suggest u go have a look at Joe McNally's instructional DVD called "The speed of light". either dat, or u go spend a day shooting with willyfoo or chngpe01 (there are many other CSers who can and does shoot excellent pics with nothing more than flashes).

just becos u haven't seen good photogs producing excellent pics with on-cam flashes doesn't mean it sucks.
 

Dear all,


when u do outdoor shoot, do u rather use a reflector or flash?

thanks

Wow wow wow... the weather is hot out there and recently it's bit 'hot' here too :cool:

I suggest you try it for yourself first. Different ppl have different preference, and it's in a subjective context.

Probably you'll like it if you prefer to add some more creativity (and work) into your pics. I tried, with lots and lots of trial and errors before I end up with the one I like. Happy trying
 

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