Profoto Giant Parabolic Reflector, Silver - 6' (180 cm)

[peter_j2]

<p>Will my shadow show on the person(s) being photographed if I stood in front of the Reflector? The subject(s) will be between 8 - 15 feet away. I've read that the photographer's shadow will not show on the subject(s) with the larger Giant Reflectors. A Profoto AcuteB Head with Zoom Reflector 2 connected to a Profoto AcuteB2 600 AirS battery generator will be used.</p>

[michaelmowery]

<p>No your shadow will not show. Your too close to the light source and the light is not a focused light source. The other thing is you do not use a zoom reflector with these lights. You can't , they have there own housing that holds the flash head.</p>

[peter_j2]

<p>That's great! Thank you Michael.</p>

[michaelmowery]

<p>Are you thinking of renting this?</p>

[peter_j2]

<p>Yes. If I like it, I will buy it.</p>

[michaelmowery]

<p>Are we talking about the 4,500 one or the 1,200 one?</p>

 

[peter_j2]

<p>The $4500 one. Your thoughts on the two (Giant Reflector 180 vs Giant Silver 150)? I want to be able to stand in front of the reflector and not have my shadow cast into the frame.</p>

[michaelmowery]

<p>I have both but sold the 180 as it was more cumbersome to set up. You can stand in front of both. The only difference is you can narrow the beam in the 180. In reality save your money and get the 150 and better yet get the 7ft instead that is a beauty. the larger the light source the softer the light</p>

[peter_j2]

<p>I was just looking at the semi-parabolic Giant Silver 210 on line and would prefer it. But, your sound advice has persuaded me to go with the 210. Thanks.</p>

[michaelmowery]

<p>You will not be disappointed I guarantee you. I actually had the 240 which was amazing but again it is very cumberson to set up and is designed for studio use when you are able to leave it set up at all times.</p>

[peter_j2]

<p>Exactly my thoughts. I want to be able to transport and set it up easily inside the lobby of a banquet hall without killing myself.</p>

[michaelmowery]

<p>You will be the envy of your photographer friends. here is a view of the size in a shoot with mathew smith.

[peter_j2]

<p>LOL! Unless that photographer friend shows up with a Broncolor Para 220 FB and mobile Broncolor light and battery generator. Thanks for the excellent video link!</p>

[bob_bill]

<p>If you move it in close and stand in front of it, your shadow can appear in the catch light in subject's eyes as a cutout. </p>

[peter_j2]

<p>Good point, Bob. Thank you. I won't be going in close with the Giant Silver. I would be using a Profoto Acute/D4 Ring or other type of modifier off to the side for the close ups.</p>

[michaelmowery]

<p>Reflection in the eye is not the same as the light causing a shadow on the subject. The reflection is a minor issue when working with large light sources directly behind the photographer. If it bothers you then retouch it out.</p>

[peter_j2]

<p>Thanks, Michael.</p>

[bob_bill]

<p>As Michael says, you can correct it in a few minutes in post if it bothers anyone. If it is a tighter shot, I retouch it out. It can be a distracting element there. But then, I take out second catch lights too. Using a larger modifier like this in tight and diffused can give a ring light type subject perimeter shadow if that is desired. It's not a one trick pony. </p>

[peter_j2]

<p>Bob: I am not a fan of second or even third catch lights in subject's eyes. I will experiment with the Giant Silver in different closeup scenarios and see what results will be yielded. Thanks.</p>

[felix_wu1]

<p>Just curious, why not the Para?</p>

[peter_j2]

<p>Felix: The price. The Profoto 210 is easier to setup.</p>

[michaelmowery]

<p>Felix, can you be more specific and give argument why he should consider the para (Broncolor) based on your own experience with it? You can also add what size your speaking of.</p>