Part 1: Building a DIY Reflector
There are a few ways to build a reflector, ranging from super-simple to slightly more involved. We'll focus on a versatile and relatively easy-to-make option.
Materials:
* Foam Board or Cardboard:
* Size: A good starting size is 24x36 inches (60x90 cm). Larger is generally better, but can be harder to manage.
* Type: White foam board is a good all-around choice. Cardboard will work in a pinch but isn't as reflective. For a stronger, longer-lasting reflector, consider something more rigid like Coroplast.
* Reflective Materials (Choose one or more):
* White: The foam board itself acts as a white reflector.
* Silver: Aluminum foil. This gives a more specular (focused) and intense reflection. Crumple it up and smooth it out *slightly* to avoid harsh highlights. Aluminum tape is another great, long-lasting option for a smooth silver.
* Gold: Gold-colored wrapping paper or fabric. Provides a warmer, flattering light. (Avoid too shiny of a gold; matte is better.)
* Black: Black fabric or black paint. This *subtracts* light, creating shadows and contrast. Useful for shaping light and reducing unwanted reflections.
* Adhesive:
* Spray adhesive
* Double-sided tape
* Packing tape (for cardboard)
* Scissors or Utility Knife
* (Optional) Handles or Stand Mount:
* Duct tape or strong tape
* PVC pipe or dowel rod
* Clamps or clips
* Tripod attachment (if you want to mount it on a light stand)
Construction Options:
Option 1: Simple Foam Board Reflector (White Only)
This is the easiest. Just use the white foam board as-is. You're done! It's a simple, soft, and diffuse reflector.
Option 2: Multi-Surface Reflector
This allows you to switch between different reflective surfaces.
1. Cut the Foam Board: Cut your foam board to the desired size (24x36 is a good starting point).
2. Prepare Reflective Materials: Cut your aluminum foil, gold paper, and/or black fabric to slightly larger than the foam board size.
3. Attach Reflective Material (one side at a time):
* Spray Adhesive or Double-Sided Tape: Apply adhesive evenly to the foam board surface or back of the material.
* Carefully Attach: Smooth out the material to avoid bubbles or wrinkles. (Crumpling the foil slightly beforehand helps avoid harsh reflections.)
* Trim Excess: Trim any excess material with scissors or a utility knife.
4. Repeat for other surfaces: Repeat steps to add more surfaces. You can dedicate each side of the board to a different material.
5. Keep surfaces secure: If you change your mind and want to try a different surface, consider covering one side with cardboard, and then use paperclips/clamps to hold the materials in place. This allows you to easily switch things out for different surfaces.
6. (Optional) Add Handles or Stand Mount:
* Handles: Duct tape a piece of PVC pipe or a dowel rod to the back edge of the reflector for a handhold.
* Stand Mount: If you want to use a light stand, you'll need to find a way to attach it securely. You can buy reflector holders, or you can get creative with clamps and a tripod attachment plate.
Option 3: Collapsible Reflector (More Advanced - Requires Sewing)
1. Materials: Large piece of reflective fabric (silver, gold, white), dark or contrasting fabric for the backing, flexible wire (like used for hoops), sewing machine, scissors, measuring tape, pins.
2. Cut Fabric: Cut two circles of fabric, one reflective and one contrasting. They should be the same size.
3. Sew: Sew the two pieces of fabric together, wrong sides facing, leaving a small opening.
4. Insert Wire: Insert the flexible wire into the edge of the fabric circle.
5. Close Opening: Sew the opening closed.
6. Fold and Twist: Fold the reflector in half, then twist to collapse it into a smaller circle. It will naturally collapse and stay closed due to the wire.
7. Create a Sleeve: Sew a small sleeve for easy transport and storage.
Part 2: How to Use a Reflector for Portrait Photography
Now that you have your reflector, let's use it to improve your portraits!
Understanding the Goal:
The primary purpose of a reflector is to bounce light into shadow areas. This reduces contrast, fills in shadows, and adds a flattering light to your subject's face. It acts as a secondary light source.
Steps for Using a Reflector:
1. Assess the Existing Light:
* Direction: Where is the main light source coming from (the sun, a window, etc.)?
* Quality: Is the light hard (creating strong shadows) or soft (more diffused shadows)?
* Contrast: How big is the difference between the brightest and darkest areas?
2. Position Your Subject: Place your subject so that the main light source is hitting them from a flattering angle (usually slightly to the side). Avoid having the sun directly behind them unless you're going for a silhouette.
3. Position the Reflector:
* Angle: This is the key. Hold or position the reflector so that it *catches* the main light source and *bounces* it onto your subject's face and into the shadows.
* Distance: The closer the reflector is to your subject, the brighter the reflected light will be. Move it closer or farther to adjust the light intensity.
* Angle to Subject: Small changes in the reflector's angle can make a big difference in where the light lands. Experiment!
* Common starting points: Position the reflector at a 45-degree angle to your subject, either to the side and slightly below their face, or below and directly in front.
4. Observe the Effect:
* Look at the Shadows: Are the shadows filled in? Are they still too dark? Adjust the reflector's position and distance.
* Watch for Catchlights: Catchlights are the small reflections of light in the subject's eyes. They make the eyes look brighter and more alive. Make sure the reflector is creating a catchlight.
* Avoid Over-Reflection: Too much reflected light can make your subject look flat or washed out. Adjust the reflector to achieve a balanced look. Move it farther away, or change the angle.
5. Choose the Right Reflector Surface:
* White: Soft, natural fill light. Good for general use.
* Silver: Brighter, more specular light. Adds a bit more pop and contrast. Use with caution, as it can be too harsh.
* Gold: Warmer, flattering light. Great for skin tones, especially in golden hour (the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset). Use sparingly, as too much gold can look unnatural.
* Black: Use to block light and create shadows. Useful for shaping light in a specific area. For example, to add more definition to a cheekbone.
6. Consider the Background: Be aware of what the reflector is reflecting *onto*. If the background is very bright, the reflector might just add more light to an already bright area.
7. Get an Assistant: It's much easier to position the reflector when you have someone to hold it for you. Otherwise, you'll need a stand or find a way to prop it up.
Tips and Tricks:
* Experiment: The best way to learn is to experiment with different reflector positions and surfaces. Take pictures and see what works best for your style and subject.
* Start Subtle: It's better to add a little reflected light than to overdo it.
* Watch for Glare: Be careful not to shine the reflected light directly into your subject's eyes.
* Consider the Weather: On cloudy days, a reflector can still be useful for adding a little bit of light to the face.
* Use in Combination with Other Lighting: Reflectors work well in conjunction with other light sources, like speedlights or strobes. They can be used to fill in shadows created by the main light.
* Try different sizes: Once you've built a larger reflector, you can experiment with smaller ones. This can allow for more concentrated reflection.
Example Scenarios:
* Outdoor Portrait on a Sunny Day: The sun is creating harsh shadows on your subject's face. Position a white or silver reflector to bounce light into the shadows, softening them and creating a more even exposure.
* Indoor Portrait by a Window: The window light is creating a nice, soft light on one side of your subject's face. Use a reflector to fill in the shadows on the other side, balancing the light and adding a catchlight to the eyes.
* Portrait in Open Shade: Even in open shade, there can be shadows. Use a reflector to add a little bit of light to the subject's face, preventing it from looking too dark.
* Harsh Overhead Lighting: Harsh sunlight from above can cause unflattering shadows under the eyes and nose. Position the reflector to bounce light upwards, filling in these shadows.
Safety Precautions:
* Sunlight and Reflectors: Be careful not to reflect sunlight directly into anyone's eyes (including your own!). Prolonged exposure can cause damage.
* Wind: Be mindful of the wind, especially when using large reflectors. They can act like sails.
* Sharp Edges: Be careful when using utility knives or scissors to cut materials.
* Secure the reflector: Make sure the reflector is securely positioned to avoid any falls or accidents.
By following these steps and experimenting with different techniques, you can use a DIY reflector to dramatically improve your portrait photography, creating more flattering and professional-looking images. Good luck!