DIY: Building and Using a Reflector for Better Portraits
A reflector is a simple, inexpensive, and incredibly useful tool for improving your portrait photography. It bounces light back onto your subject, filling in shadows, adding catchlights in their eyes, and creating a more even and pleasing light. This guide will cover building a basic reflector and how to use it effectively.
Part 1: Building Your Reflector
You have a few options here, ranging from super simple to slightly more involved. Choose the one that best suits your resources and desired level of quality.
Option 1: The Super Simple Reflector (Great for Beginners)
* Materials:
* Large piece of white foam board (available at craft stores or dollar stores)
* (Optional) Tape or binder clips for shaping the board.
* Instructions:
* That's it! The white foam board is your reflector. You can hold it, lean it against something, or have an assistant hold it.
* Optional: If you want to create a slightly curved surface for wider light spread, gently bend the board and secure it with tape or binder clips.
Option 2: The More Durable & Versatile Reflector
* Materials:
* Large piece of white foam board or poster board (at least 2' x 3' or larger)
* Cardboard (for backing - recycle a box!)
* Aluminum foil (optional, for a silver reflector panel)
* White fabric (optional, for a softer white reflector panel - an old t-shirt works well)
* Spray adhesive or glue stick
* Scissors or utility knife
* Duct tape or strong packing tape
* Instructions:
1. Prepare the Backing: Cut the cardboard to the same size as your foam/poster board. This provides rigidity.
2. Adhere the Backing: Use spray adhesive or a glue stick to firmly attach the cardboard backing to the back of your foam/poster board.
3. Create Optional Surfaces:
* Silver Reflector: Carefully cover a second piece of foam/poster board (or a section of your main board) with aluminum foil, smoothing out any wrinkles as much as possible. Secure the edges with tape. This will provide a brighter, more specular (directional) reflection.
* Softer White Reflector: Cover a section of the main board with white fabric. Stretch it tightly and secure it with glue or tape on the back. This will diffuse the light even further, creating a very soft fill.
4. Attach a Handle (Optional): Create a handle by folding a long strip of cardboard and taping it securely to the back of the reflector. This makes it easier to hold.
Option 3: The Collapsible Fabric Reflector (Slightly More Involved)
* Materials:
* Round or oval wire frame (hula hoop works!)
* White ripstop nylon fabric or similar lightweight, translucent white fabric. (The fabric needs to be translucent to allow light through from behind the reflector.)
* Elastic cord (for creating tension and making it collapsible)
* Sewing machine (or hand sewing skills)
* Scissors
* Thread
* Safety pins
* Optional: Silver or Gold fabric for alternate panels (you'll need to sew a sleeve for each panel and make it interchangeable)
* Instructions:
1. Measure and Cut the Fabric: Measure the circumference of the wire frame. Cut the fabric into a circle that is slightly larger than the frame (allowing for a seam allowance of about 1-2 inches).
2. Create the Casing: Fold the edge of the fabric over towards the back of the circle (wrong side facing you) and sew a casing around the entire perimeter. Leave an opening to insert the elastic cord.
3. Insert the Elastic: Thread the elastic cord through the casing, using a safety pin to guide it. Pull the elastic tight to create a gathered edge. The elastic should be slightly shorter than the circumference of the frame to create tension.
4. Secure the Frame: Place the wire frame inside the fabric circle. Adjust the gathered fabric evenly around the frame. Sew the opening in the casing closed.
5. Collapsing Mechanism: The elastic cord will allow the reflector to collapse. Simply twist the frame and it will fold down into a smaller circle.
6. Optional - Alternate Panels: You can create reversible or removable panels from different fabrics (silver, gold, white) to change the reflector's effect. Create a sleeve that fits snugly around the frame and is open on one side. Slide the frame into the sleeve.
Part 2: Using Your Reflector for Better Portraits
* Understanding Light and Shadow: A reflector *redirects* existing light. It does not create light. The most common use is to fill in shadows created by the main light source (the sun or a flash).
* Positioning the Reflector:
* Shadow Side: The reflector is usually placed on the *opposite* side of the subject from the main light source.
* Angle: The angle of the reflector is critical. Adjust the angle until you see the reflected light filling in the shadows on your subject's face. Even small adjustments can make a big difference.
* Distance: The distance between the reflector and the subject affects the intensity of the reflected light. Closer = brighter, further away = softer. Start close and move it back until you achieve the desired effect.
* Holding the Reflector:
* Ideally, use an assistant. This allows you to focus on composition and camera settings.
* If you're alone: Lean the reflector against a wall, chair, or other object. You can also use clamps or stands to hold it in place. Alternatively, hold it yourself, but be mindful of your position relative to the subject and the camera.
* Different Reflector Surfaces and their Effects:
* White: Soft, neutral light fill. Great for subtle shadow reduction and adding a natural look. Most versatile for general portrait use.
* Silver: Brighter, more specular (directional) light. Adds more contrast and can create more dramatic catchlights in the eyes. Use with caution as it can be too harsh in bright sunlight. Good for adding a little sparkle.
* Gold: Warmer light. Can add a healthy glow to skin tones, especially in overcast or cool-toned lighting situations. Use sparingly; too much gold can look unnatural.
* Black: (Technically an "anti-reflector" or "flag"). It *absorbs* light and creates deeper shadows. Can be used to control light spill or shape the shadows.
* Common Portrait Lighting Setups with a Reflector:
* Outdoor Portraits (Sunlight): Position the subject with the sun slightly behind them (to avoid squinting). Place the reflector on the opposite side to bounce light back into their face, filling in the shadows created by the sun.
* Indoor Portraits (Window Light): Place the subject near a window (the window is your main light source). Place the reflector on the opposite side of the window to bounce light back into the subject, creating a more balanced look.
* Tips for Using Reflectors Effectively:
* Watch the Subject's Eyes: The most important benefit of a reflector is the catchlights it creates in the eyes. Make sure the catchlights are present and pleasing.
* Feather the Light: "Feathering" the light means angling the reflector so that the light isn't hitting the subject directly, but rather "feathering" in from the side. This creates a softer, more flattering light.
* Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles, distances, and reflector surfaces to see what works best for your subject and lighting situation.
* Subtlety is Key: The best use of a reflector is often when you *don't* notice it. Aim for a natural look where the shadows are filled in gently, and the light is balanced.
* Consider the Background: Pay attention to how the reflector affects the background of your image. Avoid creating harsh shadows or bright spots that distract from the subject.
Part 3: Beyond the Basics
* Diffusers: A diffuser is a translucent material that softens light. You can use a diffuser in conjunction with a reflector to further soften the light and reduce harsh shadows.
* Scrims: Large diffusers often used to soften direct sunlight.
* Advanced Reflector Techniques: As you gain experience, you can experiment with more advanced techniques such as:
* Clamshell Lighting: Using two reflectors (one above and one below the subject's face) to create a very even and flattering light.
* Using Reflectors to Shape Light: By carefully positioning reflectors, you can sculpt the light and create specific effects, such as highlighting certain features or creating dramatic shadows.
Building and using a reflector is a simple and effective way to improve your portrait photography. Experiment with different materials, surfaces, and techniques to find what works best for you and your subjects. Happy shooting!