I've never used one, but it seems for such a inexpensive piece of equipment, that it can really enhance portraits shots.
Pretty much a vague question, but is any one color better than another, and most importantly-- at what angle should you be reflecting according to where the sun is--
Im to lazy to google anything so any input would be really helpfull.
Plain white usually works pretty well. A light gold helps warm up the color a bit too. Bright gold is a little overpowering. You could actually do a reflector cheap using a chunk of poster board. I like the reflector I bought because it folds up into a small pouch and is quite portable. (about 20 dollars Canadian).
Hard to say on the specific angle. It's just like anything else, you use it for what you need it for. Often they are used for fill light, so you would angle it opposite the main light source. But, not always.
Gotta say ---- buy a 5-in-one. Its not expensive and your versility will pay for itself. For a glam shot you want the silver or gold reflector to add light where your lights can't hit and either warm or cool the skin tones. For other shots you may only need white to brighten dark areas without any color cast. And lastly you may need to cut the light (sunlight) so that your subject isn't blown outdoors - so why not get one $60 5-in-one and have the flexibilty. Ebay is your friend. :)
I just made a 60inch reflector out of some wire stripped out of a playhut toy the kids never use. Fun if you like a finger-breaking sewing project (God bless my sister-in-law), but really just go to ebay and get a 5in1.
I agree with Cindi, the 5 in 1's are great. Also, if you don't have somebody to hold it for you, the reflector stand and arm are very useful. Be sure to weigh it down with something too.
Reflectors are awesome - but remember that they will burn the heck out of someone's eyes if used in full sunlight or too close to your subject.
Start with the reflector pointed well away from the person, and SLOWLY adjust the angle - if you just blaze away with it, you're going to have one pissed off, teary eyed model. Another trick is to use distance to decrease the strength of light reaching the person (plus, if you do blind them, they can't hit you!)
I agree on the 5-in-1, and have both:
SMALL - very useful when working with a smaller subject, or in tight spaces
LARGE - can 'gather' more light, cover a larger area / more than one face, and use the diffuser to cover both the subject and a wall behind them, etc.
ETA - Steve's right; if you only get one, start with the large.
I bought a 5in1 at my local photo shop for about $50...I definately think it's worth it. I bought a sturdy tripod and reflector holder too. Now I don't have to worry about 'who is gonna hold my reflector'
I agree with Cindi, the 5 in 1's are great. Also, if you don't have somebody to hold it for you, the reflector stand and arm are very useful. Be sure to weigh it down with something too.
In the studio I use a hospital IV pole to hold the 60" reflector. :D
I have both a large and a smaller 5-n-1, they are great and make a nice background if need be. ;)
Like Cindi, inside I use an IV pole to hold the large reflector, have actually taken it out in backyard too when trying to catch a good light. When I do that I stick bricks on each of the 'flat arms' at the bottom. :) I got my pole through eBay: eBay - Wheelchair & Scooter Store
For the smaller reflector I use a Wimberley Plamp or two. I have the extensions for it to, but only have one set on. With extension it is not as rigid, has more movement, so I only use that one when I know that I can get away with it.
I purchased my reflectors (as well as some other items) off of eBay, Amvona
