After all my ranting about using fill flash for weddings, I finally have to admit that it is not the only way to deal with lighting. There is an alternative. Pine-knot torches...no, just kidding. I really mean reflectors.
Observe the fine efforts of Mel, our organisational expert. She rounded up all the reflectors and backdrops and strung them out along a backdrop kit holder - you can browse all the different sorts with ease. You'll note a number of interesting surfaces there on the rack.
The standard white reflector is joined with silver or gold - either as a two-sided unit or right there on one surface. You can soften or intensify the reflected light, or choose to add warmth to it with one of the gold surfaces. There is even a black surface to act as a flag or light absorber for dramatic contrasts.
Note the green flash there in the middle - we have a large foldable backdrop made by Promaster for the blue/green screen technique. It is self-supporting and fortunately the surface of the screen is a matte cloth - this means that with careful lighting there should be very little bleed through of colour to your main subject.
Of course we alway have the triangular Lastolite reflectors with the integral handles - these are particularly useful to solo workers as they can be held safely in one hand and manipulated around the subject - or can be effectively propped up against the operator's knee for under-fill without rolling away down the nearest slope!
Last inmage is of the Redwing disc-holder. It goes onto a light stand or other support and clamps a circular reflector so that you can position it without needing an assistant to hold it.
Note that all the reflectors are eco-friendly and do not consume electricity in operation. You can also use the silver reflective ones to hide under when aliens flying saucers come over your studio. They are a popular accessory in Roswell, New Mexico...
