Silver vs black c stands?

[Ivo Marrachinho]

Can you share your thoughts and experience between the two colors available for c stands? Silver may cast highlights and black may cast shadows – which is better for general textured / matte products vs shiny products? Does it matter?

Topic

[Andrey M]

Hey Ivo,

Silvers ones are more common, I dunno why though. I prefer black c-stands since they don’t reflect any light. But generally, It’s not that matter because most of the time you probably put it behind a diffusion panel or a softbox or a stripbox. Never had any issues with silver ones as well.
I’d recommend buying the same color c-stands so you won’t mix them. Check out the recommended gear page by the way for some info: /school/recommended-gear-for-studio-photographer/

[Ivo Marrachinho]

Thank you

[Brian Ross]

I can understand the initial concern, but it’s really not an issue. Even if you did have all black c-stands, they inevitably scratch or chip, and accessories such as extension arms, most mafer clamps, and other grip accessories are silver.

I have all silver stands and accessories. With good technique, you’ll rarely have an issue with a silver stand, and the rare times you do, you can use a flag or gaffer’s tape. The issues normally revolve around having a cylindrical or spherical glossy object, in which case you’re using techniques that eliminate silver stands or accessories as the cause.

- Brian