Why Use a Reflector?
* Fill Light: Reflectors bounce light into shadow areas, reducing harsh shadows and revealing detail.
* Catchlights: They create pleasing catchlights in the eyes, making the subject look more alive.
* Even Skin Tone: By filling shadows, reflectors can help even out skin tone.
* Control Contrast: You can manipulate the intensity of the reflected light to control the overall contrast of your image.
* Portability: DIY reflectors are lightweight and easy to transport.
Part 1: Building Your DIY Reflector
Here are a few options, from simple to slightly more involved:
Option 1: The Simplest (Foam Board Reflector)
* Materials:
* Foam Board: A large piece of white foam board (at least 20" x 30" or larger, depending on your needs). You can find these at craft stores, art supply stores, or even some dollar stores.
* Optional: Cardboard to make it stand up
* Construction:
1. That's it! You already have your reflector.
2. To make it stand up, you can make two small slits on the bottom and slide in pieces of cardboard to create a stand.
* Pros: Inexpensive, extremely easy to make, readily available.
* Cons: Not very durable, only white reflective surface.
Option 2: The Multi-Surface Reflector (Cardboard & Fabric)
* Materials:
* Large Piece of Cardboard: The size depends on your desired reflector size (e.g., 24" x 36"). A flattened cardboard box works well.
* Fabric (or other reflective material):
* White Fabric: A sheet, muslin, or even a clean white t-shirt.
* Silver Fabric: Emergency blanket, aluminum foil, silver lame.
* Gold Fabric: Gold lame, gold wrapping paper, or even lightly glueing on gold glitter.
* Black Fabric: Black felt or dark fabric to absorb light.
* Adhesive: Spray adhesive, strong tape (duct tape, gaffer's tape), or glue stick.
* Optional: Hot glue gun to glue fabric to cardboard
* Scissors or Utility Knife
* Ruler or Measuring Tape
* Construction:
1. Cut the Cardboard: Cut your cardboard to the desired size and shape. A rectangular or oval shape is most common.
2. Attach Reflective Surfaces: Divide the cardboard into sections with tape, glue or hot glue. This is optional, but it will help you stay organized. Then, firmly attach your chosen reflective material to one side of the cardboard. Try attaching white fabric to the center and silver or gold fabric to the outside for more options.
3. Make it stand up: Similar to the above reflector, you can make cardboard stands on the bottom to make it stand up on its own.
* Pros: More durable than foam board, allows for multiple reflective surfaces (white, silver, gold, black), customizable size.
* Cons: Requires more effort to build.
Option 3: The Foldable Circular Reflector (Hula Hoop & Fabric)
* Materials:
* Hula Hoop: Choose a diameter that suits your needs. A smaller hula hoop is easier to manage.
* Fabric: Similar to Option 2 (white, silver, gold, black) – you'll need enough to cover the hoop. Consider using stretchy fabric (like spandex or jersey) for easier application.
* Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread: To sew the fabric onto the hoop.
* Scissors
* Optional: Velcro closures for reversible covers
* Construction:
1. Measure and Cut Fabric: Measure the circumference of the hula hoop. Cut the fabric into a circle that's about twice the diameter of the hoop (allowing for gathering or hemming).
2. Sew the Fabric: Sew a channel around the edge of the fabric circle, leaving an opening to insert the hula hoop. Insert the hula hoop into the channel and sew the opening closed. The fabric should be gathered around the hoop.
3. Create Reversible Covers (Optional): Make separate covers for each reflective surface (white, silver, gold, black). Attach Velcro closures to the hoop and covers so you can easily switch them out.
* Pros: Foldable for easy storage and portability, more professional appearance, multiple surface options.
* Cons: Requires sewing skills, slightly more expensive due to the hula hoop.
Which Surface to Use?
* White: Provides a soft, natural fill light. Excellent for general use and mimicking natural daylight. The safest choice if you're unsure.
* Silver: Offers a brighter, more specular (direct) reflection than white. Good for adding a bit more punch and creating strong catchlights. Use with caution, as it can be too harsh.
* Gold: Adds warmth to the skin tone. Ideal for creating a sun-kissed look or shooting in cool environments. Can be overpowering if used excessively.
* Black: This acts as an "anti-reflector" or flag. It *absorbs* light, creating deeper shadows or preventing light spill onto unwanted areas. Useful for shaping the light and adding drama.
Part 2: Using Your Reflector for Portrait Photography
1. Positioning the Reflector:
* The Sweet Spot: The key is to position the reflector so that it bounces light into the shadow areas of your subject's face. Experiment to find the "sweet spot" where the fill light is most effective.
* Angle of Incidence = Angle of Reflection: Remember the physics principle! The angle at which light hits the reflector will be the angle at which it's reflected. Adjust the reflector's angle to direct the light precisely.
* Distance: The closer the reflector, the more intense the reflected light. Move the reflector further away to soften the light and make it more subtle.
2. Working with Sunlight:
* Sun Behind the Subject: Position the sun behind your subject for a rim light or hair light. Use the reflector to fill in the shadows on their face.
* Sun to the Side: Position the sun to one side of your subject. Place the reflector on the opposite side to balance the light.
* Overcast Days: Even on cloudy days, a reflector can make a difference by brightening the overall scene and adding catchlights.
3. Working with Artificial Light (Studio Lighting):
* Fill Light: Use the reflector as a fill light to complement your main light source. Place it on the opposite side of the main light.
* Beauty Dish or Softbox: Even with soft light sources like beauty dishes or softboxes, a reflector can still be beneficial for adding subtle fill and catchlights.
4. Working with a Model (Assistance Needed):
* Communicating: Clearly communicate with your model and your assistant. Explain what you're trying to achieve with the reflector.
* Assistant's Role: The assistant's job is to hold the reflector in the correct position and adjust it as needed based on your instructions.
* Solo Shooting: If you're shooting alone, you can use reflector holders or stands (available online or at camera stores) to keep the reflector in place. You can also prop it up against something.
5. Tips and Tricks:
* Start Subtle: It's better to start with a subtle amount of fill light and gradually increase it than to overdo it.
* Observe the Eyes: Pay close attention to the catchlights in the subject's eyes. They should be bright and natural-looking.
* Feathering the Light: "Feathering" means slightly angling the reflector so that the light is not hitting the subject directly but rather grazing across them. This can create a softer, more flattering effect.
* Experiment! The best way to learn how to use a reflector is to experiment with different positions, angles, and surfaces. Take lots of test shots and observe the results.
* Consider the Background: Be mindful of what's reflected in the background. Avoid distracting reflections.
* Safety: If using foil, make sure that the edges are covered with tape so it won't cut your skin.
Troubleshooting:
* Harsh Shadows: The reflector may be too close, too bright (e.g., using silver in direct sunlight), or positioned at the wrong angle.
* Overexposed Areas: The reflector is bouncing too much light onto the subject. Move it further away or use a less reflective surface (white).
* Unnatural Look: The fill light may be too strong or the color temperature of the reflector is clashing with the ambient light. Adjust the intensity or switch to a reflector with a different surface (e.g., white instead of gold).
* No Catchlights: The reflector is not positioned correctly to reflect light into the subject's eyes. Adjust the angle and position of the reflector.
* Wind: It is hard to keep reflectors steady if it's windy. If this is the case, consider using weights or a stand with a clip to keep it from falling over.
By following these steps, you can create your own DIY reflector and significantly improve the quality of your portrait photography. Good luck!