DIY: Build a Portrait Reflector and Use It to Take Better Pictures
A reflector is a simple, yet powerful tool that can dramatically improve your portrait photography. It bounces light onto your subject, filling in shadows and creating a more even and flattering illumination. You can easily build your own reflector for a fraction of the cost of buying one. This guide will cover both building your own reflector and how to use it for portrait photography.
Part 1: Building Your DIY Reflector
Here are a few options, ranging from super simple to a bit more robust:
Option 1: The Simple Cardboard Reflector (Quick and Easy)
* Materials:
* Large piece of cardboard (at least 2' x 3' is recommended)
* Aluminum foil (heavy-duty recommended) OR White Poster Board OR White Fabric (cotton canvas)
* Glue or Tape (painter's tape is good for temporary options)
* Scissors or Utility Knife
* Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cardboard: Cut the cardboard into your desired shape (oval, rectangle, or even custom shapes). Rounded corners are safer.
2. Cover the Surface:
* For Silver/Shiny Reflector (Foil): Carefully cover one side of the cardboard with aluminum foil. Smooth out any wrinkles as much as possible to avoid harsh, uneven reflections. Secure the foil with glue or tape around the edges.
* For White Reflector (Poster Board/Fabric): Cut the poster board or fabric to fit the cardboard. Glue or tape it securely to the cardboard surface.
3. Handle (Optional): You can add a handle to the back of the cardboard for easier holding. Use a strip of cardboard folded over and glued to the back, or attach a strong piece of tape rolled into a loop.
Option 2: The Foam Core Reflector (More Durable)
* Materials:
* Foam Core Board (available at craft stores, size depends on your needs - 2' x 3' or larger is a good start)
* Various Surfaces (you can make a reversible reflector):
* White Poster Board or Fabric (for soft, diffused light)
* Silver Reflective Fabric (available at fabric stores or online) OR Aluminum Foil (if you prefer, but reflective fabric is better)
* Gold Reflective Fabric (optional, for adding warmth)
* Black Felt or Fabric (for absorbing light – useful for blocking unwanted reflections)
* Spray Adhesive or Double-Sided Tape
* Scissors or Utility Knife
* Instructions:
1. Prepare the Foam Core: Cut the foam core to your desired size and shape. Rounded corners are safer.
2. Attach the Surfaces:
* Carefully apply spray adhesive or double-sided tape to the foam core.
* Attach your chosen surface (white, silver, gold, or black). Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles.
* If you want a reversible reflector, cover one side with one material and the other side with another.
3. Handle (Optional): You can add a handle to the back of the foam core for easier holding. Use a strip of cardboard folded over and glued to the back, or attach a strong piece of tape rolled into a loop.
Option 3: The Collapsible Fabric Reflector (Most Portable)
* Materials:
* Embroidery Hoop (large, like 36" or larger - look for a round or oval one)
* Reflective Fabric (various colors, as mentioned above – silver, gold, white, black). Slightly larger than the hoop diameter.
* Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread
* Elastic Band
* Scissors
* Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fabric: Cut the fabric into a circle (or oval) slightly larger than the embroidery hoop.
2. Sew a Casing: Sew a casing around the edge of the fabric circle, large enough to accommodate the elastic band.
3. Insert the Elastic: Insert the elastic band into the casing and sew the ends of the elastic together. This creates a "fitted sheet" for the hoop.
4. Attach to Hoop: Stretch the fabric over the embroidery hoop, securing it with the elastic. Tighten the screw on the embroidery hoop to keep the fabric taut.
5. Collapsing: To collapse, simply remove the fabric from the hoop. Fold the hoop and fabric for easy storage. You can make multiple "sheets" for different reflective properties.
Choosing Your Reflector Surface:
* White: Provides soft, diffused light. Great for subtle fill light and natural-looking results.
* Silver: Reflects more light than white, providing a brighter, more dramatic fill. Can be harsh if not used carefully.
* Gold: Adds a warm, golden tone to the skin. Great for portraits in cooler lighting situations or for adding a healthy glow.
* Black: Doesn't reflect light. It's used to *subtract* light and add definition to shadows. Useful for controlling light spill.
Part 2: Using Your DIY Reflector for Portrait Photography
Understanding the Light:
Before you start, understand where your light source is. This is crucial for reflector placement. The sun is the most common source of outdoor light. Indoors, it could be a window, a lamp, or a studio light.
Steps for Using a Reflector:
1. Position Your Subject: Place your subject in the desired location, taking into account the existing light.
2. Identify Shadows: Look at your subject's face and identify the areas that are in shadow (under the eyes, the chin, one side of the face, etc.).
3. Position the Reflector: The reflector should be positioned on the *opposite side* of the light source, angled to bounce light back onto the shadowed areas of your subject's face. Think of it as "filling in" the shadows. Experiment with the angle and distance to achieve the desired effect.
4. Distance Matters: The closer the reflector is to your subject, the more light it will bounce. Start further away and gradually move it closer until you see the shadows softening.
5. Angle is Key: Adjust the angle of the reflector until the light is hitting the areas you want to illuminate. A slight tilt up or down can make a big difference.
6. Holding the Reflector:
* Assistant: The best option is to have an assistant hold the reflector. This allows for precise control and adjustments.
* Yourself: If you're shooting alone, you can try holding the reflector in one hand while shooting with the other. This can be tricky, but manageable with practice.
* Reflector Stand (Recommended): For hands-free operation, use a reflector stand. These are inexpensive and allow you to easily position and angle the reflector. You can even DIY a stand with PVC pipe and some clamps.
* Lean Against Something: Lean the reflector against a wall, chair, or other stable object.
7. Take Test Shots: Take a few test shots and review them. Adjust the reflector's position until you achieve the desired lighting effect.
8. Watch for Overexposure: Be careful not to overexpose your subject. If the light from the reflector is too strong, move it further away or adjust the angle.
9. Consider the Background: Be aware of what the reflector is reflecting *onto*. Make sure it's not reflecting unwanted light or colors onto your subject or background.
Tips for Different Lighting Situations:
* Bright Sunlight: Use a white reflector to soften the harsh sunlight and fill in deep shadows.
* Overcast Day: Use a silver reflector to bounce more light onto your subject and brighten the image.
* Golden Hour: Use a gold reflector to enhance the warm, golden light and add a healthy glow.
* Indoor Window Light: Use a white reflector to bounce the window light onto the shadowed side of your subject's face.
* Backlighting: Position the reflector in front of your subject to bounce light back onto their face and prevent them from being silhouetted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
* Harsh Reflections: Wrinkled aluminum foil can create harsh, uneven reflections. Smooth it out as much as possible or use reflective fabric.
* Too Much Light: Overusing a reflector can make the light look unnatural. Use it subtly to fill in shadows, not to overpower the main light source.
* Unnatural Catchlights: The shape and position of the catchlights (the reflection of the light source in the eyes) can affect the overall look of the portrait. Be mindful of where the light is reflecting in your subject's eyes.
* Ignoring the Background: Pay attention to what the reflector is reflecting onto the background. You don't want to create distracting highlights or shadows.
* Not Experimenting: Don't be afraid to experiment with different reflector surfaces, angles, and distances to find the lighting that works best for your subject and style.
Practice and Experimentation:
The key to mastering the use of a reflector is practice. Experiment with different lighting situations, reflector surfaces, and techniques to find what works best for you. You'll be amazed at the difference a simple DIY reflector can make in your portrait photography! Good luck!