DIY Guide: Building and Using a Reflector for Better Portraits
A reflector is a simple yet incredibly powerful tool for portrait photography. It bounces light back onto your subject, filling in shadows, softening harsh lines, and adding a catchlight in their eyes. You can buy expensive reflectors, but you can also easily make one yourself for a fraction of the cost.
Here's a comprehensive guide to building your own reflector and using it effectively for better portraits:
Part 1: Building Your DIY Reflector
Materials:
* Core Material:
* Foam Board (White): This is a great choice as it's lightweight, rigid, and readily available. You can find it at craft stores, dollar stores, or online. Choose a size that suits your needs (20x30 inches is a good starting point).
* Cardboard: A sturdy piece of cardboard works well and is often readily available from old boxes.
* Fabric Stretcher Board (Artist Canvas): Provides a nice taut surface but is a more expensive option.
* Reflective Materials (Choose one or a combination):
* White Paper (Matte): Provides a soft, diffused reflection. Printer paper, butcher paper, or even parchment paper can work.
* Aluminum Foil (Shiny or Dull): Creates a specular (harder) reflection. For a softer reflection, crumple and then smooth out the foil before applying it.
* White Fabric (e.g., Muslin, Sheeting): Gives a soft, natural-looking fill light.
* Silver Reflective Tape: Available at hardware stores. Can be used to create a "silver" reflector.
* Gold Fabric/Paper: Adds a warm, golden tone to the light, great for skin tones.
* Adhesive:
* Spray Adhesive: Works well for attaching paper, foil, and fabric to the core.
* Glue Stick: Suitable for attaching paper to foam board.
* Tape (Masking or Duct Tape): Useful for securing edges and reinforcing the reflector.
* Tools:
* Scissors or Utility Knife: For cutting materials.
* Ruler or Straight Edge: For accurate measurements.
* Pencil or Marker: For marking measurements.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Core: Cut the foam board or cardboard to the desired size and shape. A rectangular shape is common, but you can experiment with other shapes. Smooth any rough edges.
2. Choose Your Reflective Surface: Decide on the type of reflection you want (soft, hard, warm, etc.) and select the appropriate material. You can even create a reversible reflector with different materials on each side.
3. Apply the Reflective Material:
* Paper or Fabric: Spray the core material with spray adhesive, then carefully apply the paper or fabric, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles. If using a glue stick, apply a generous and even layer to the core before attaching the paper. Trim any excess material around the edges.
* Aluminum Foil: Crumple the foil (optional for softer reflection), then carefully smooth it out. Spray adhesive or carefully apply with tape to avoid tearing.
* Reflective Tape: Apply the tape in strips, overlapping slightly for full coverage.
4. Reinforce the Edges (Optional): Secure the edges with tape to prevent the reflective material from peeling or tearing. This will also make the reflector more durable.
Alternative DIY Reflectors:
* Using a Car Windshield Sunshade: Many sunshades have a silver reflective surface on one side. They are foldable and easy to transport.
* Cardboard and Silver Wrapping Paper: Wrap a piece of cardboard with silver wrapping paper (the kind used for gifts). Secure with tape.
* White Wall/Ceiling: In a pinch, a white wall or ceiling can be used as a large, diffused reflector.
Part 2: Using Your Reflector for Portraits
Understanding Light:
Before using a reflector, it's important to understand basic lighting principles:
* Key Light: The main light source illuminating the subject.
* Fill Light: A secondary light source that softens shadows created by the key light. This is where the reflector comes in.
* Shadows: Areas where light is blocked, creating dimension and form.
Reflector Positions and Effects:
* Below the Subject's Face (45-degree angle upwards): This is the most common position. It fills in shadows under the eyes, chin, and nose, creating a more flattering and youthful look. Be careful not to position it too low, as it can create an unnatural "horror movie" effect.
* To the Side of the Subject: Balances light across the face, reducing harsh shadows on one side. Useful when the key light is coming from the opposite side.
* Above the Subject (at an angle): Can be used to create a catchlight in the eyes or to bounce light onto the subject's hair. Be mindful of the angle to avoid casting unwanted shadows.
* Behind the Subject (as a backdrop): If you have a white reflector, you can place it behind your subject to create a clean, bright background.
Steps to Using a Reflector:
1. Identify Your Key Light: Determine the direction of your main light source (sun, window, strobe).
2. Position Your Subject: Place your subject in relation to the key light. Experiment with different angles to see how the light falls on their face.
3. Introduce the Reflector: Have an assistant hold the reflector in the desired position. If you don't have an assistant, you can use a reflector stand or prop it up against something.
4. Observe the Effect: Look through the camera and observe how the reflector fills in the shadows. Adjust the position of the reflector until you achieve the desired effect. A little movement can make a big difference!
5. Communicate with Your Subject: Tell your subject what you're doing and why. Make sure they are comfortable with the light.
6. Take Test Shots: Take several test shots and review them on your camera's LCD screen. Adjust the reflector position and camera settings as needed.
Tips for Using a Reflector:
* Start with Soft Light: Begin with a white or silver reflector for a soft, natural look.
* Avoid Over-Reflection: Too much reflected light can flatten the image and create an unnatural appearance. Use the reflector subtly.
* Experiment with Different Angles: Small adjustments in angle can dramatically change the effect of the reflector.
* Pay Attention to Catchlights: A catchlight in the eyes adds sparkle and life to a portrait.
* Consider the Environment: The color of the surrounding environment can affect the color of the reflected light. For example, green foliage might cast a slight green tint onto the subject.
* Use a Reflector in Open Shade: Open shade (e.g., under a tree or on a porch) provides soft, diffused light, making it ideal for using a reflector.
* Practice, Practice, Practice! The more you use a reflector, the better you'll understand how it affects light and how to use it effectively.
Camera Settings:
* Aperture: Choose an aperture that creates the desired depth of field. A wider aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or f/4) will blur the background, while a narrower aperture (e.g., f/8 or f/11) will keep both the subject and background sharp.
* Shutter Speed: Adjust the shutter speed to achieve proper exposure. Pay attention to motion blur, especially if your subject is moving.
* ISO: Keep the ISO as low as possible to minimize noise. Increase the ISO only if you need to use a faster shutter speed.
* White Balance: Set the white balance according to the lighting conditions.
Conclusion:
Building and using your own DIY reflector is a cost-effective way to improve your portrait photography. By understanding the principles of light and practicing with different reflector positions, you can create beautifully lit portraits that are sure to impress. Happy shooting!