studio lighting setup

[highpoly]

I am trying to get a basic setup down for setting up studio style lighting (product shots, cars, etc..) and i wondered if anyone still uses reflection planes? Since Vray lights can be seen in a reflective objects surface, is there any need for reflections planes anymore (aka max material with output map in diffuse slot)? I also tried making one with a vray light material, but that, of couse, added light to the solution. For example, is the plane that is typically overhead in a car setup a light-emiiting one, or just for reflection?

I usually use 2 vray lights, opposite sides, but sometimes, especially with boxy/sqaurish? objects, it seems the object needs more to reflect. Since this is just a white psyche background, i dont want to use an HDR map to get extra reflections..

Also on that note, anyone know a fast way to previz if the lights/planes will reflect in the object based on the camera view? there has to be a faster way than move the plane, render..nope...move the plane, render..nope...

thanks

[percydaman]

theres most definitely a use for reflection planes, since you can set them to not emit any light where you dont want them to.

[dellis]

I've got a light card HDR that i got from here. Not sure who posted it...works pretty good though.

[highpoly]

thanks...I am really just trying to understand about how to setup reflection planes easily and a typical material for them. I still dont know if the plane above a car shot is a light emiting one, or just reflective one..

[highpoly]

maybe i should be asking a different question since i know the OP one was very broad and subjective...

Is there any advantage/disadvantage to using a vray light material on a reflecting plane as opposed to just using a vray light with the same illumination value? any difference?

thanks