Most lighting workshops that I have been to use a main light and a reflector.... a larson reflector. I have a homemade reflector, but I am ready to buy a nice one. I have heard great things about the larson reflectors, like this one....
http://www.larson-ent.com/products_detail.php?id=81
So, I have decided on a silver one (that is what they always use at the seminars I have been to.) It comes in SILVER, or SUPER SILVER. Has anyone used both, one or the other? Any insite on which one is better, or which one I should get?

Have you considered a 5-in-1?

Go on ebay, and get a 40"x60" 5-in-1 for about $50. I think the vendor is nycarolshop, or something like that. If you can't find it, shoot me an email. I have 3 of them, they work great.

Thanks Tim, Yes, I am looking at those for my outside work. I would like to get a nice portable medium sized 5-in-1 for that. But, in the studio, I want the great big one on the stand like I showed in the link.



Hmmmm.... maybe I'll check into that. I just have heard a lot of good about the larson. I like the way the stand can postition the reflector in any direction.

$50 vs $330...... hmmmmm......... Does the ebay one come with a stand, and if not, what do you use for the stand?

If you go the ebay way, pick up a westcott reflector arm holder for about $35. You can attach it to any light stand. Or just have one of the participants friends hold it. Put'em to work....

Be advised, the Larson one has to be used with the stand (there's no other way to use it), the ebay one doesn't. And when it's windy, or even slightly breezy, either have someone hold the stand, or weight it down with sandbags or tent stakes.

Larson products are second to NO ONE from their refectors and their softboxes, PLUS John Snow the owner is one of the best guys you will ever hope to meet in the business and TRULY cars about his clients.

Larson is a LARGE sponser in our workshops (www.illuminationsworkshop.com) so I could help you answer your questions since I use their product quite often.

What is your style of photography, so you like more the high fashion/glamour look or more the tradition hair light - solid look portriats?

The super silver will bring light out in a cave while the silver gives a nice soft overall feel to it. also with them being 6 foot tall you can get a GREAT look and feel no matter how big or small your subject it. simply stated they are the best and WELL worth their price!

Ask away I will help you out anyway I can and remember you get what you pay for on many things in life, this is truly one of those times. More expensive yes, but WELL WORTH the price for the results and ease of use.

I hear you Mike. I ordered a "cheapy" one from E*bay and it is junk. Falling apart....
I am set to get a Larson. Just need to hit the buy button. I am doing on location, natural light. I want to get the 42x42 but not sure on Silver or Super Silver. Not sure how many sessions will be in caves LOL.
So which do you think I should get?
this is the one I am looking at.

http://www.larson-ent.com/products_detail.php?id=75
(sorry dont mean to hyjack)

Use super silver all the time...great contrast. I think the one I use is the 3x5? not for sure. It needs to be big, but it can't get in your way if your a aggressive shooter.

Bright Silver or Super Silver.
Now i am confused.

Thanks Mike,
This is exactly what I have heard from others who use Larson products, and that is why I am looking there first. I don't do fashoin photography at all, all portrait work. I do all kinds of portraits.... kids, seniors, families, weddings, ect. I am thinking mainly for studio use, not for outdoors. I plan to pick up a small round possibly a 5 in 1 for that. I typically like soft lighting. So, it sounds like I want the silver, not the super silver, right? Or, are you saying that the super silver is soft too?

Bump....You hooo.... Mike.... are you there?
So, silver or super silver? (read my above post!)
Thanks!

Great thread, I would love to see image samples of super silver and silver (also information on the size of the reflector would be nice too)
Teetering on wether I should just go for the high power supersilver 72" reflector for all uses.

I got the larson 36'' square I think it is and I love it - for my outdoor work. Let's see if I actually use it though.

Can you elaborate on how you love it? (Im curious as to what the color is too)

Any image samples? or sites that may have it? I may have to check with the company and ask them?

Just remember, the lighting determines the reflector you'll use. In sunlight, you'll want to use a white reflector, in the shade and on overcast days, you'll use the silver. Why spend $330 (Larson large reflector) and only be able to use it in the shade and on overcast days, when you can get a 5-in-1, large, and reflector holder for under $100 and be able to use it in any situation. It's worth a try. If you absolutely have to have a Larson, sell the ebay stuff back, and then get your larson. Light is light. You can make a great silver reflector out of a $1.99 emergency space blanket. Wad it up into a small ball, then open it back up and tape it to a piece of cardboard. As Dean Collins used to say, "Reach into your mind, before you reach into your wallet". If your business is generating a high profit, then get the Larson, if not, can you justify the large chunk of change spent on something that can be made or bought at ten times less the price. Just trying to help....

here's one on ebay... let us know if it works out...

I am thinking of both the 5 in 1 and the Larson. I do a lot of indoor studio work, and I want the big larson for that. I would like a smaller, more portable 5 in 1 for my outdoor work. I have had it so many times where I buy somthing that costs less, that isn't exactly what I wanted, but similar. I always end up buing the original item in the end, and wonder why I wasted money and didn't do that from the start. I have done that with lighting equipment, lenses, props, a lot of things.... I don't want to do that any more!

I have a home made reflector, made out of silver Lemae. I have a friend who has a Larson Reflecor like I want to buy. We did some testing where we compared the two in studio. I liked hers much better!