Collapsible Reflectors | Profoto (BG)

Shape sunlight or bounce flash light with Collapsible Reflectors

Profoto Collapsible Reflectors probably represent light shaping in its most uncomplicated form. They are easy to use, easy to carry and can be used for bouncing or diffusing sunlight as well as flash. The sturdy yet collapsible metal frame is equipped with two ergonomically shaped handles, which make the reflectors easy to fold and hold in various positions.

Available in no less than ten different versions. Four types of two-sided reflectors are available: Silver/White, SunSilver/White, Gold/White and Black/White. There is also a translucent screen that can be used as a diffuser. Each of these is available in medium and large.

  • Natural light
    White
  • Contrasty crisp light
    Silver
  • Contrasty warm light
    SunSilver
  • Diffused light
    Translucent
  • Warmer light
    Gold
  • Flags off light
    Black
  • White
    Natural light

    White fabric reflects the light most naturally making it our most popular reflector and a great tool to start with. The white fabric gives you a soft, natural light that is ideal for outdoor portraits when the sun is strong, or in studio shoots when you’re using flash. To get the best effect from the white reflector it should be placed in fairly close proximity to your subject.

    Recommended for: Fill light for flash and natural light
    Popular applications: On-location portrait, Wedding
    Sizes: M, L

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  • Silver
    Contrasty crisp light

    The metallic Silver fabric increases the light output and creates more contrast and crisp colors. The Silver reflector is ideal for shooting in low light or when you need a stronger light. Be aware that in the strong midday light, the Silver can prove to be quite intense, so in that instance you can either move it further away or position indirectly, or use the white side instead.

    Recommended for: Main light, Fill light for natural light
    Popular applications: On-location portrait
    Sizes: M, L

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  • SunSilver
    Contrasty warm light

    The SunSilver fabric creates a somewhat warmer light with a slightly higher light output and more contrast than its white counterpart. As a result, this is a very popular reflector that is often used in sunsets or when a warmer and more natural skin tone is wanted.

    Recommended for: Main light, Fill light for natural light
    Popular applications: On-location portrait, Wedding
    Sizes: M, L

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  • Translucent
    Diffused light

    The Translucent fabric is actually a diffuser that creates a softer light with less contrast. Typically, you’d shoot through a Translucent reflector by holding it above your subject to soften your flash or direct sunlight, that way it goes between the light source and the subject.

    Recommended for: Diffused flash or natural light
    Popular applications: On-location portrait, Wedding
    Sizes: M, L

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  • Gold
    Warmer light

    The metallic Gold fabric creates a warmer light with a lower color temperature. For example, if you’re taking a sunset portrait but you need to compensate for the sun dropping too low, the Gold reflector can provide the warmth you need to get the shot.

    Recommended for: Fill light, Main light for natural light
    Popular applications: Sunset portraits
    Sizes: M, L

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  • Black
    Flag off light

    This isn’t actually a reflector, it’s a tool you can use to flag off light and eliminate unwanted light. By using the reflector with Black fabric, you can create shadows in your image, such as on the cheeks of your model, which helps to visually sculpt a face.

    Recommended for: Flagging/blocking light
    Popular applications: Portrait in studio and on location
    Sizes: M, L

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Guide

Help me choose

Our short guide below can help you find the right collapsible reflector for your needs.

Guide

What fabric gives me what effect?

The White reflects the light the most naturally. The Silver increases the light output and creates more contrast and crisper colors. The Gold creates a warmer light. And the SunSilver creates warmth that’s less intense than the Gold, but with a slightly higher output and more contrast. The Black can be used to flag off light and eliminate unwanted light, and the Translucent reflector acts more like a diffuser bringing a softer light with less contrast.

Guide

Which size?

If you mostly shoot people portraits of just one person or head-and-shoulder the Medium sized is the most practical option. If you’re shooting a couple or a group portrait then the Large sized is a good option since it gives you a larger area of light reflecting towards your subjects.

The Light Shaper Battles the forces of nature with Collapsible Reflectors
The Light Shaper

Battles the forces of nature with Collapsible Reflectors

Andrea Belluso is on a challenging on-location shoot where the forces of nature seem to conspire against him

I really just want to give the design team a big high-five

David Bickley, Fstoppers, on the Collapsible Reflectors