What Size Reflector Should I use?Updated 3 days ago
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- Which Illuminator QuickGrip Reflector size is best for close-up or macro photography?
- What reflector size should I use for single-person portraits or vlogging?
- Is the 40" QuickGrip large enough for couples or small groups?
- When would I choose the 50" circular QuickGrip reflector?
- How big should my reflector be for full-length portraits or large family photos?
Which Illuminator QuickGrip Reflector size is best for close-up or macro photography?
The 20" QuickGrip Reflector delivers tight, precise bounce or diffusion ideal for macro photography, headshots, and small still-life setups in confined spaces.
This macro photography reflector folds to one-third its size, so you can position it inches from flowers, jewelry, or product shots without crowding your set. Use its silver surface to add crisp specular highlights, white for a gentle fill, or the translucent core to soften direct sunlight.
To work quickly:
- Pop the frame open and choose a surface.
- Hold the QuickGrip handle so the reflector catches your key light at a 30 - 45° angle.
- Fine-tune distance for brightness; every 6" closer equals roughly one stop of extra exposure.
What reflector size should I use for single-person portraits or vlogging?
The 30" QuickGrip Reflector is a portrait reflector with handles that create flattering wraparound light for one subject while remaining ultra-portable for on-camera interviews.
Its 5-in-1 design lets you sculpt contrast, warm skin tones, or block spill with a quick spin of the slipcover. Handy for single-person interview lighting reflector work. The 30" disc covers a shoulders-up frame at arm’s length, so assistants aren’t required.
For fastest setup:
- Stand the reflector just below chin level to fill under-eye shadows.
- Angle the gold or silver side 15–20° toward the face for soft sheen.
- Switch to black to flag off-axis light and increase drama.
Is the 40" QuickGrip large enough for couples or small groups?
Yes, the 40" QuickGrip Reflector comfortably lights couples, medium still-life sets, or two-person video scenes with smooth, even coverage.
This versatile light control reflector equals roughly a 2×3 ft softbox when used in diffusion mode, so you can stay a few feet back and still fill both subjects evenly. Handles make it easy to boom overhead or swing side-to-side between takes. Typical two-person setup:
- Place your key light 45° camera left.
- Hold the reflector camera right to bounce fill across both faces.
- Flip to black to carve separation from a bright background.
When would I choose the 50" circular QuickGrip reflector?
Reach for the 50" QuickGrip Reflector when you need a large reflector for family photos, ¾-length portraits, or wide-frame video interviews that demand broad, soft fill.
The 50" disc covers up to four people shoulder-to-shoulder or fills a standing subject from head to mid-thigh. Its bigger surface lets you place it farther away, great when the reflector must stay outside the camera frame.
Pro tip:
- Use the translucent core as a 1-stop scrim above your subject at noon.
- Swap to silver late in the day to bounce warm low-angle sun.
- Secure with an adjustable arm like the Illuminator Arm Extreme in breezy conditions.
How big should my reflector be for full-length portraits or large family photos?
For full-length fashion, group portraits, or scene-wide video, the 48" × 72" rectangular QuickGrip offers wall-to-wall bounce or diffusion.
This full-length portrait reflector unfolds to 4×6 ft yet folds down to a 25" bag, giving you studio-sized control on location. Its twin handles mean one assistant can tilt the panel to chase moving subjects. Use cases include:
- Evening sun blocker for bridal parties.
- Soft white fill under a fashion runway key light.
- Negative-fill flag to deepen shadows in cinematic scenes.