I'm new to photography is a reflector a good investment?
I have a nikon d90
and no other equipment, i almost never use flash cause i hate how "flash photos" look
Besides the point
But i'm looking at getting a reflector off amazon, i only do outside shoots at this point
Will it improve my pictures when used properly?
Basically is it worth it
i always see photographers with one or two
But is it useless with out other equipment?
When I take pictures of people, I like to have some light on their faces. That can be flash or a refector.
As you noted, reflectors are pretty common because they do a good job and are relatively inexpensive (compared to portable lighting anyhow). The one down side is that you need an assitant to work with you. You can buy a light stand and reflector holder, but I'm near the windy city and I can tell you, if someone isn't holding the reflector it is going blow over sooner or later.
Have a look on ebay.
You should get them cheaper.
http://photography.shop.ebay.com/Cameras-Photo-/625/i.html?rt=nc&LH_BIN=1&_nkw=reflector&_catref=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m301
If you can find a 5 in 1, 42 inch reflector, buy it. It will give you a lot of options when filling or flagging light shooting outdoors. The best way to shoot people outdoors is in the shade. Set your D90's white balance to shade and use the reflector to add light to fill any shadow you see in their face.
If you are shooting on a windy day, just have a friend hold on to the reflector so it does not blow a way
I'm sure you will have fun with such a reflector.
Here is one like I have been using for about six years.
Http://diyphotographystuff.info/373/diy-photography-reflector/
Yes, but you probably already posses one - a white sheet. Use that to start with and then invest for more 'street cred' if you need to.
I use a white piece of card board more than i use my reflectors, mostly as i always seem to have a3 white cardboard handy all the time for various reasons and th reflector lives in the gear bag…
anyway yes they are a good investment, you can also use whit cardboard, you can have one side white one silver et cetera if you desire