Part 1: Building a DIY Reflector
You have a few options, ranging from ultra-cheap to slightly more involved. Let's start with the simplest:
Option 1: The Cardboard & Foil Reflector (Budget-Friendly)
* Materials:
* A piece of cardboard (at least 2' x 3' is a good starting point, but adjust to suit your needs. A large foam core board works great too.)
* Aluminum foil (heavy-duty is better)
* Glue (spray adhesive is ideal, but white glue or tape will work)
* Scissors or a utility knife
* Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cardboard: Cut the cardboard to your desired size and shape. A rectangle is standard, but you could round the corners for safety.
2. Apply Adhesive: Spray the front of the cardboard with spray adhesive. If using white glue, apply it evenly across the surface.
3. Attach the Foil: Carefully lay the aluminum foil onto the adhesive. Smooth it out as you go, trying to minimize wrinkles. Wrinkles can actually create a more diffused (less harsh) light, so don't stress too much about perfection.
4. Wrap the Edges (Optional): If you have enough foil, wrap it around the edges of the cardboard for a cleaner look and to prevent the cardboard from showing.
5. Repeat (Optional): For a more durable reflector, apply a second layer of cardboard to the back to sandwich the foil.
* Advantages: Very cheap, easy to make, readily available materials.
* Disadvantages: Not the most durable, foil can tear easily, the light can be a bit harsh if the foil is perfectly smooth.
Option 2: The Foam Core Board Reflector (More Professional Look)
* Materials:
* Foam Core Board (White or Silver) - Aim for at least 2' x 3'. You can find these at art supply stores, craft stores, or even some office supply stores. White is naturally diffused, silver will be specular.
* (Optional) Black Foam Core Board
* (Optional) Double-sided Tape
* Instructions:
1. Cut to Size: Cut the foam core board to the size you want.
2. Using the White/Silver: If your goal is a diffused reflect the white foam core board is perfect. Silver will be brighter and more specular.
3. Using the Black: A black foam core board makes a great gobo (aka flag). It allows you to block or shape light which can be great for darkening shadows, and/or decreasing spill.
* Advantages: More durable than foil, cleaner look, white creates a softer, more natural light.
* Disadvantages: Slightly more expensive than foil, can still be dented or scratched.
Option 3: The Fabric-Covered Reflector (Versatile)
* Materials:
* A sturdy frame (an old picture frame, a wire hoop, or even a piece of PVC pipe bent into a circle)
* Fabric (see options below)
* Staple gun or strong adhesive
* Scissors
* Fabric Options:
* White Muslin or Cotton: Soft, diffused light.
* Silver Fabric (like ripstop nylon or a metallic fabric): Brighter, more specular light.
* Gold Fabric (same as above, but gold): Warmer light (useful for portraits).
* Black Fabric: Used as a "flag" or "gobo" to block light, not reflect it.
* Instructions:
1. Prepare the Frame: Ensure your frame is clean and sturdy.
2. Cut the Fabric: Cut the fabric larger than the frame, allowing for overlap.
3. Attach the Fabric: Stretch the fabric tightly over the frame and secure it to the back using a staple gun or strong adhesive. Start by securing opposite sides to ensure even tension. Trim excess fabric.
* Advantages: More durable and professional-looking, easier to customize the fabric for different effects.
* Disadvantages: Requires more construction effort.
Part 2: Using Your Reflector for Portraits
Now for the fun part: using your reflector to improve your portraits!
1. Understanding Light Direction and Reflection
* Key Light: The main light source illuminating your subject. This could be the sun, a flash, or a studio light.
* Shadows: Where the key light *doesn't* reach. Reflectors are used to *fill* these shadows, making them softer and less harsh.
* Reflection Angle: Light reflects at the same angle it hits a surface. Think of it like bouncing a ball off a wall. To aim the reflected light where you want, adjust the reflector's angle.
2. Basic Reflector Placement
* Position: Usually, you want to position the reflector *opposite* the key light source. If the sun is to your subject's left, place the reflector on their right.
* Angle: This is crucial! Adjust the angle of the reflector until the reflected light is illuminating the shadow areas of your subject's face. You'll see the shadows soften or even disappear.
* Distance: The closer the reflector is to your subject, the brighter the reflected light will be. Start further away and gradually move it closer until you achieve the desired effect.
3. Common Scenarios and Techniques
* Outdoor Portraits in Sunlight: This is where reflectors shine (pun intended!). The sun is often a harsh light source, creating strong shadows. Use your reflector to fill those shadows, especially under the eyes, chin, and nose.
* Overhead Sun: Overhead sunlight can create harsh shadows that are unflattering. Hold the reflector below the subject's face, angling it upward to fill those shadows and even out the lighting.
* Indoor Portraits by a Window: Place your subject near a window (your key light). Position the reflector opposite the window to bounce the light back onto your subject's face, softening the shadows on the far side.
* Using a Reflector with Flash: If you're using flash, position the reflector to bounce some of the flash's light back onto your subject. This helps to create a more natural and flattering look, instead of the harsh direct flash look.
* Clamshell Lighting: Position your flash or a key light above the subject, angled downwards. Position the reflector under the subject, angled upwards to create a clamshell shape, and fill in the shadows cast by the key light. This is often used for beauty lighting.
4. Reflector Colors and Their Effects:
* White: Provides a soft, neutral fill light. Great for general use.
* Silver: A brighter, more specular (mirror-like) fill light. Use with caution, as it can be a bit harsh. Good for adding a little extra pop or sparkle.
* Gold: Adds a warm, golden glow to the skin. Nice for portraits, especially in cooler light.
* Black: A "flag" or "gobo" to *block* light. Use it to control spill light, create shadows, or darken the background.
5. Important Tips and Considerations
* Practice Makes Perfect: Experiment with different reflector positions, angles, and distances to see what works best for you and your subject.
* Watch the Eyes: Make sure the reflected light isn't too bright and causing squinting. Adjust the angle or distance as needed. Catchlights in the eyes (small reflections of light) are desirable, but not if they are uncomfortable.
* Communicate with Your Subject: Let them know what you're doing and why. They might need to adjust their pose slightly to catch the light effectively.
* Use a Stand (Optional): If you're working solo, a reflector stand can be very helpful for holding the reflector in place. You can buy dedicated reflector stands, or even use a light stand with a reflector arm attachment.
* Be Aware of Wind: If shooting outdoors, a gust of wind can turn a reflector into a sail, so be sure it is secured.
Troubleshooting
* Reflector is too harsh: Move the reflector further away from the subject. Use a white reflector instead of silver or gold. Increase the angle of reflection.
* Reflector is not bright enough: Move the reflector closer to the subject. Use a silver reflector instead of white. Make sure the reflector is angled correctly to capture the key light.
By understanding these principles and practicing with your DIY reflector, you'll be well on your way to taking much better portraits! Good luck!