DIY: Building & Using a Reflector for Better Portraits
A reflector is a simple and invaluable tool for portrait photography. It bounces light back onto your subject, filling in shadows, creating catchlights in the eyes, and generally improving the overall look of your images. You can buy professional reflectors, but they can be pricey. This guide shows you how to build your own DIY reflector and how to use it effectively for better portraits.
Part 1: Building Your DIY Reflector
Here are a few options for creating your reflector. Choose the one that best suits your resources and needs:
Option 1: The Cardboard Reflector (Easy & Cheap)
* Materials:
* Large piece of cardboard (at least 2ft x 3ft is ideal). You can repurpose a shipping box, foam core board, or even poster board reinforced with cardboard.
* Aluminum foil (heavy duty recommended)
* White paper or foam board
* Tape (duct tape or painter's tape)
* Optional: Scissors or utility knife, ruler.
* Instructions:
1. Prepare the cardboard: Cut the cardboard to your desired size. Rounded corners can prevent accidental poking.
2. Reflective Surface 1 (Bright, Specular): Cover one side of the cardboard with aluminum foil. Smooth out any wrinkles as much as possible using a cloth or your hand to create a more even reflection. Secure the foil to the cardboard with tape.
3. Reflective Surface 2 (Soft, Diffused): Cover the other side of the cardboard with white paper or foam board. Overlap the sheets slightly if necessary and tape them securely.
4. Optional: Handle: Attach a handle (made from cardboard or thick tape) to the back of the reflector for easier holding.
* Variations:
* Gold reflector: Use gold foil gift wrap for a warmer, more golden reflection.
* Silver reflector: Use silver poster board or mylar instead of aluminum foil for a slightly cooler reflection.
Option 2: The Fabric Reflector (More Durable)
* Materials:
* Frame: An old wire clothes hanger, picture frame, or piece of PVC pipe.
* Fabric: White fabric (muslin, bedsheet, or cotton) and/or Silver fabric (ripstop nylon, metallic fabric from a fabric store).
* Sewing machine or needle and thread (or safety pins)
* Optional: Tension rod or a support stand
* Instructions:
1. Create the Frame: If using a wire hanger, bend it into a circular or oval shape. For PVC, create a rectangular frame. For a picture frame, simply use the existing structure.
2. Cut the Fabric: Cut the fabric to be slightly larger than the frame. Allow for hemming or wrapping around the frame.
3. Attach the Fabric:
* Sewing: Fold the edges of the fabric over the frame and sew them securely.
* Safety Pins: If sewing isn't an option, fold the fabric over the frame and use safety pins to hold it in place. Be cautious when handling.
* Wrapping: For PVC, you can tightly wrap the fabric around the frame and secure it with glue or zip ties.
4. Optional: Dual Surface: Sew or attach white fabric to one side and silver fabric to the other for versatility.
5. Optional: Mounting: Attach clips or a tension rod to the frame to mount the reflector on a light stand.
Option 3: The Foam Core Reflector (Simplest & Lightweight)
* Materials:
* Large sheet of white foam core board (at least 2ft x 3ft)
* Optional: Silver spray paint or Aluminum Foil for a specular side
* Instructions:
1. Cut to Size: Cut the foam core board to the desired size and shape.
2. (Optional) Create a Second Surface: If you want a brighter side, spray paint one side of the foam core board with silver spray paint. Or, use aluminum foil and tape like in Option 1.
Part 2: Using Your Reflector for Portrait Photography
Now that you have your reflector, let's learn how to use it:
1. Understand Light & Shadow:
* Identify the Light Source: Determine the direction of the main light source (sun, window, strobe).
* Observe the Shadows: Look at the shadows on your subject's face. Are they too harsh? Are they obscuring details? This is where the reflector comes in.
2. Positioning the Reflector:
* Angle & Distance: The key is to position the reflector to bounce light back into the shadows. Have someone hold it (or use a stand) and experiment with different angles and distances from the subject.
* Common Positions:
* Below the Subject: This is a common starting point. It fills in shadows under the chin and eyes.
* To the Side (Opposite the Light Source): This balances the light and fills in shadows on the side of the face away from the main light.
* Above the Subject (Tilted Down): This can create a nice "catchlight" in the eyes, but be careful not to block the main light source.
* Experimentation is Key: There's no one-size-fits-all position. Adjust the reflector until you achieve the desired effect.
3. Choosing the Right Surface:
* White (Diffused): Ideal for subtle, natural-looking fill light. Use it when you want to soften shadows without significantly changing the overall light. Best for bright sunlight situations.
* Silver (Specular): Provides a stronger, brighter reflection. Useful for adding more "pop" to the image or when working in lower light conditions. Use carefully, as it can create harsh highlights. Best for cloudy or low-light situations.
* Gold (Warm): Adds a warm, golden tone to the light. Good for portraits with a romantic or vintage feel, or for warming up skin tones. Use sparingly, as it can be overpowering.
4. Working with a Helper (or a Stand):
* Helper: The easiest way to use a reflector is to have someone hold it for you. Communicate clearly with them about the angle and distance you need.
* Stand: If you're working alone, use a light stand or a reflector holder to position the reflector. You can also prop it up against a chair or wall.
5. Fine-Tuning & Observation:
* Check Your Meter: Use your camera's light meter to ensure you're not overexposing the highlights.
* Watch the Subject's Eyes: The catchlight in the eyes is a good indicator of where the light is falling.
* Take Test Shots: Regularly take test shots and review them to see how the reflector is affecting the light and shadows. Adjust the position and angle as needed.
* Be Mindful of Shadows: Ensure the reflector doesn't create new, unwanted shadows.
Tips for Better Reflector Use:
* Sunlight Direction: Consider the time of day and the angle of the sun. The angle of the light will significantly affect how you position the reflector.
* Distance to Subject: The closer the reflector, the more light it will bounce.
* Diffusers: If the reflected light is too harsh, try using a diffuser (e.g., a thin white fabric stretched over the reflector) to soften it.
* Practice Makes Perfect: Experiment with different setups and lighting conditions to get a feel for how reflectors work.
* Safety: Be mindful of sharp edges (especially with foil reflectors) and secure the reflector properly to prevent it from falling. When using silver or gold reflectors, be cautious of reflecting sunlight directly into the subject's eyes.
Example Scenarios:
* Outdoor Portrait in Bright Sunlight: Use the white side of the reflector positioned below the subject to fill in shadows under the chin and eyes.
* Indoor Portrait by a Window: Use the silver side of the reflector positioned to the side opposite the window to bounce light back onto the subject's face.
* Portrait on a Cloudy Day: Use the silver side of the reflector positioned below the subject to brighten the overall image and add catchlights to the eyes.
By building your own DIY reflector and understanding the principles of light and shadow, you can significantly improve the quality of your portrait photography without spending a fortune. Have fun experimenting and creating beautiful images!