gold or silver reflectors?

<p>Hi, I am wanting to purchase as high quality reflector and unsure if I should purchase gold or silver...could someone upload a photo of each to show the difference on a photo? Thanks for your help!!</p>

<p>There are many types of these, Crystal. Some have a more "hard" reflection, because the surface is more or less foil-like. Others have a a half-and-half zig-zag or stripe configuration that has the metallic surface area broken up with small bits of white fabric. Those tend to produce a slightly softer reflection. The only difference between the silver and gold units is that the silver will reflect the light that hits it, as-is, while the gold reflector renders a slightly warmer cast (and may be just a bit less of it). <br /><br />You'd want the warmer reflector if you were, say, bouncing an un-gelled flash off of it while filling shadows on your subject's face in a sunset or morning light situation, where things are warmer looking. Stronger overhead daylight sun can also be warmed up a bit, to a more golden glow, using such a reflector.<br /><br />There are different situations that call for silver, gold, and for plain white. The 5-in-1 kits that cover all of those scenarios are quite popular for a reason. Understanding light is central to photography. For some types of work, controlling light is the most important thing. You can never have enough light modifiers, I say!</p>

<p>in the vast majority of cases, the gold is 'too gold'. I agree w/ Matt re: the 5:1 reflectors. I think mine is a Photoflex w/ serpentine gold/silver hybrid.</p>

<p>I agree with the multiple use; you don't have to choose! My only question is when do you use silver? It always seems too harsh, and I don't know what specific occasion would call for it...? Gold or white are what I use in most situations.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.sunbounce.com/cms/fileadmin/Download/CSB_Catalog_english.pdf">http://www.sunbounce.com/cms/fileadmin/Download/CSB_Catalog_english.pdf</a></p>

<p>go to page 14</p>

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<p>I agree with Matt, the more you have to modify light, the better. That said, I've gotten great mileage out of a Photoflex Litedisk - 22 inch Silver/Gold. I often take it when hiking. I use the silver for neutral fill and the gold for warming up portraits.</p>

<p>The other ones stay with my lights and stands.</p>

<p>For the cost reflectors represent one of the best investments you can make. I've never had them brake, they work with all cameras, they last forever (I'm using ones from the 80s), are very easy to use, have a big effect on results and they're cheap.</p>

<p>Hi Crystal, I bought the Westcott Photo Basics 5in1 reflector kit, which comes with a stand and a holder for the reflector. I don't use the holder much but I like the reflector and use it a lot. The stand is handy too. Can't have too many of those. I found that the silver side was just too cold most of the time, and I like the gold side. It's not too gold for me for this particular reflector. The photo below was taken with the gold reflector about six feet away reflecting natural daylight coming in from a big set of windows past the right of the shot. You can see the golden tones, but the daylight is still in evidence too.</p>

<p>But I did notice that the gold umbrella I bought for flash work with portraits is *way* too gold. Somehow the material is different, and it's not right. A lot of people really like the 5-in-1s or the single reflector with the combo silver/gold material. In the same shoot the reflector was right and the umbrella wasn't.</p>

<p>I am very happy with my reflector purchase. It was a good use of money.</p>

<p><img src="http://www.jspencerphotography.com/lent/friday_final/bin/images/medium/DSC_0143.jpg" alt="" width="777" height="520" /></p>

 

<p>Gold is for use outdoor to reflect ambient warm sunlight -silver is to reflect light from studioflashes - white is for softning shadows - i would go for 3 in one or 5in one or what it is called</p>

Gold reflector for people YES

Silver reflector for people NO

<p>I've used silver to great effect on people. Depends on the light and model (alabaster skin with blue eyes). For most caucasians use gold, but I would recommend you experiement a great deal each and every time you can.</p>