How to use a Curved Reflector? | Ask David Bergman
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2024
- Today's question from Luis G. is, "Hi David. What's the best way to set up a curved reflector like the Wescott Eyelighter? Why is it better than a standard pop-up reflector? And should you use one large softbox, or a separate light source like a strip box directly above to focus the light being reflected? Thank you."
Go to www.AskDavidBergman.com to submit your own photo question, see David's gear list, and view the episode archive.
00:00 Intro
01:18 What is the Westcott Eyelighter?
02:33 Curved catchlight
03:06 Setting up the Eyelighter
04:22 Clamshell lighting
05:52 Silver, white, and gold reflector colors
06:41 Eyelighter vs pop-up reflector
07:17 Hard light on a reflector
07:57 Soft light on a reflector
08:56 Strip box for low-fill light
09:21 Conclusion
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✘ PRODUCTS USED:
Westcott Eyeligher 3
www.adorama.com/we5333.html?k...
Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
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Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens
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Westcott FJ400
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Westcott Rapid Box Switch Octa-L
www.adorama.com/we2523.html?k...
Westcott Photo Basics 40" 5-in-1 Collapsible Reflector Kit
www.adorama.com/wepbrfk40.htm...
Westcott 1x3 Rapid Box Switch
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✘ PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT USED:
Canon R3 Mirrorless Camera Body
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Canon EOS R Mirrorless Full Frame Digital Camera Body
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Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens
www.adorama.com/car2418.html?...
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens
www.adorama.com/car2470.html?...
Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with MH496 Ball Head & 200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate
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CLAR Illumi Max 500 High Power 5600K LED Light
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Prograde Digital 512GB CFexpress 2-Pack
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Prograde Digital 512GB SDXC UHS-II V90 Memory Card
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All Prograde cards and readers
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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING! - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Hi David, I bought a curved reflector several months ago, it really made sense. I had a project to shoot several headshots for a group of RCIA candidates at our Church. There was also the request for a black background. So I concentrated on a key light and the curved reflector, then added a hair light to give some seperation from the black background. All involved were quite happy with the result. Definately will be used more often.
Great video, thanks.
Beautiful model with a wonderful smile!
I really appreciate you going through all the options and sharing your impressions! Thank you!
I thought this was a copycat video to MarkusPix but this is a great companion, tons of info. wtg.
One of my favorite modifiers! Great presentation!
Great video! I love how you explain things so clearly!
I just got the newer clamshell reflector and let me say Wow! I only used one light, almost the same way you did. Definitely will be experimenting with using the clamshell a lot. Thanks for this video.
Love version 3. Used it with a metal beauty dish, and collapsible beauty dishes. Works great!
This was excellent! Thank you so much for being so thorough. Thanks again for answering my question. As you did in this video, I also tried a few setups and landed on the same conclusions you did. Thank you so much for being an amazing resource.
That great lighting setup and easy to use with great effect to the image of the model. Good choice Dave
I like my eye lighter, which is about 25 years old. I do leave it setup and because it is on wheels it is not too awkward to bring in or out. I like your plain no frill approach.
Thanks for sharing. Always wanted one maybe I'll look at this new one. I have tried doing clamshell lighting using a curved wing shape umbrella down low and it worked but it's a bit bulky.
Good product overview. Recommended that viewers look for videos which also use cheap foamboard below (or 2 smaller angled pieces for similar wraparound look), then decide based on cost.
Per usual, great instruction! I started my photography business a few years ago. During my third year in business (2021), I purchased an eyelighter. It was in my garage, unboxed for two years, LOL! I finally opened it this past weekend and it works wonders. I have a corporate headshot photoshoot next week and I plan to have the same set up as you have in this video. Thanks again for your great instruction!
I've got the older version. Definitely a P.I.A. setting up. Gets thrown in the SUV assembled, after the shoot. Love the results. Thanks, David.
For video shoots, my partner was getting frustrated with the lack of sparkle in the eyes with interviews. We tried reflector boards, which helped. But I was intrigued by the curved reflector and it's potential. The cost wasn't prohibitive so we bought one.
The results were very nice. We tended to not fill in under the face quite as much as your portraits, opting instead for about 1/2 the fill.
Despite this there are obstacles that will make us reluctant to set it up in the future. For starters I was shocked how big it was. This thing is BIG. You better make sure you have space for everything else PLUS this curve. While I have nothing to compare it to, I'm suspect one half the size would have sufficed. Maybe a manufacturer could make single unit that could deploy as a half or full scoop?
Either way my biggest issue was how long it takes to set up. Time is a precious commodity on our shoots and we have purchased and discarged lots of gear that takes too long to set up in favour of simpler, but perhaps more costly, mechanisms.. Don't know what older models are like but this was still way too awkward (didn't help that there were NO instructions included).
Video shooters, a word of caution - the curve had an unintended side effect of changing the characteristics of the person's voice - making it more hollow - is it reflected sound back to the microphone. It wasn't very noticeable if they spoke over the curve, but if they talked downward for anything it was like they were talking through a vacuum hose. A reflector material that is porous (like those used for outdoor windy days) may prove more helpful with that. But it looks like you'd have to DIY that yourself.
Great video David! Thanks!
Interesting about the audio. Wouldn't have thought of that!
I use a collapsible 5 in 1 reflector with a boom arm to hold it in place for fill. Now that I've seen the Eyelighter 3, it may be time to invest in one of those. As always, thanks for the great content. Cheers from Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
I just got my Westcott Eyelighter as well not long ago and in my test shoots so far I love it! Like you said it’s large but sets up and takes down easily. Good video btw
I have the third version. So much easier to set up, I just love it!
I just bought one on eBay in the last 48 hours.
I can't wait to use it.
Had absolutely no idea that feature was in my Canon R6 and I will definitely be using it now!! Thanks David
I just bought it before watching this video. I can't wait for the delivery.
I am not a portrait photgrapher, but if i wanted to be one, Ask David Bergman would be all I need! Thanks as always from another entertainment road warrior!! #adorama #CreateNoMatterWhat #NikonUSA
I just bought one and found it makes all the difference when getting consistent light. Now I’ll always use one in my corporate style headshots.
Great video! I wonder what a smaller eyelighter 24 inch would look in comparison of the 48". I always wanted to maybe get one. Thanks.
Thank you, it's very helpful
I love my eyelighter!! Got one when I opened my studio in December, and I definitely use it on all my headshots. Thanks for these tips tho, I think I'll be using it positioned more like you show, and will incorporate the white cover for my corporate headshots (I've just been using silver). Great video as always David!
I have the Glow (Adorama) version. I use this for headshots for every headshot booking I get. I use the exact set up that was shown on the video. I also use an silver umbrella on the left for a hair light.
I definitely picked up a few interesting tips I’ll be trying. By the way awesome video.
Bought it. Used it a few times, and then sold it. I get how some people really like it, but I'd much rather have a light that I can control. Of course, YMMV
Thanks!
Thanks for doing so many scenarios in this one. What about the clamshell reflector's width? I've looking at at 39" and a 66". Is wider best?
I have a knock off version of the eyelighter - and I really enjoy the results it produces, though the set up is cumbersome. I am considering purchasing the V3
And thank you for showing how to set up the eyelighter and key light - I am in a few FB photo groups and some have shown their photos and BTS, complaining about not having good results and it all boiled down to not having the key light and eyeligher set up properly
I use it and I love it!!
Currently using a standard 36 inch round reflector. But i have definitely had my EYE on one of these curved reflectors for sometime now. See what I did there? 👀 👀 👀
Awesome, I have a question do you think using the u shape Reflector, while shooting outdoors at noon will give good results
So, I have been trying this with one and 2 lights with the eyelighter and I can not figure out how to not get the lights in the glasses. I lift, change angles of lights move the person. Some insight or an actual photo of the set up would be awesome. Thanks for the great video
I agree , top light doesn't do much and the curve fills so much better, especially for long thick hair.
just bought one, waiting for delivery. I like the silver look, but it feel I would want to lower it a little, so that it is a bit more subtle.
Danke schön
With peter hurley he does the triangle. Is this better?
There are different brands offering this which one do u think better ? And we really need this expensive Westcott brand eyelighter?
Does anyone know how the size of the Westcott unit compares to the Newer one on Amazon?
I own an eyelighter 3 and it’s great. My only question is what is the height of the stand you used in the video to support it?
It's a little baby light stand that I raise up a bit. I don't see a brand, but it folds down to about 16 inches. I usually use it for a short background light.
Sometimes LESS is MORE
What stand did you get for it. Their store doesn't say which one to get. Does it even matter?
Hi David. What do you suggest for men’s executive headshots. The appears to glamour but a little much for men? Your thoughts..ty
I'd likely use the white material to tone it down a bit.
I have the Neewer knock off, I'll admit I like the curve reflector better than using a strip box as a fill light.
I really wish Adorama would upload their videos in 4K or higher. Would be a lot easier to get a sense for the photos if the video had some additional bitrate.
How about the strip light as your key light?
Doesn't really matter which type of modifier you use as long as a) you like the quality of light on your subject, and b) you're getting enough bounce off of the reflector.
Is the eyelighter only for clamshell or wod it work if the light was at 45 degrees to get some direction?
You can still get a reflection if you angle it right, but might not fill the entire sweep as evenly.
so i should use flash?
😎
I purchased it a week ago and have not even opened the box yet🤭. I will though just thinking about my shots.
They have to put hinges on this thing, make it work like an umbrella. The new version 3 doesn't seem like much of an improvement, just a different setup.
If your subject wears glasses would it create reflections on the eyeglasses?
You just have to work the angles from both the overhead light and the reflector to try and keep them out of there. Might be tricky, but not impossible.
Hi David, UK is not in Europe any more. I need a passport for a 1,5h flight from Brussels... We have LOTS of live performances in Belgium.
Forget UK, come to the genuine Europe! The food and beer is MUCH better here!
I'll have plenty of time in Europe, including a show in Brussels (but no workshop there, unfortunately).
@@DavidBergmanPhoto fantastic! Any chance we could shoot together? I am covering quite some concerrs. Obviously open to learn...
I am also interested in shooting with you David, would love if I get an answer from you to my DM. @Peter Regarding UK , major mistake living EU even on their opinion now if you see the polls
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Am I the only one who liked the headshot without the eyelighter better?
In my opinion the bottom reflection is a little over exposed. The gold though looks well exposed.
I’m using a curved strip box vs the eye lighter…
Not the same kind of coverage but it works well.
Of course it’s from Adorama…with a GVM LED…4’ too…
Clearly not using it to reflect shadows under your chin during that video shoot 😜
Lots of golden color in her neck and cheek. Almost nothing in her forehead.
This curved reflector looks great to impress the customer.