Part 1: Building Your DIY Reflector
There are several ways to build a DIY reflector, ranging from super simple to a bit more involved. Here's a breakdown of options:
Option 1: The Super Simple Cardboard Reflector
* Materials:
* Large piece of cardboard (at least 2' x 3', bigger is better) - Reclaimed cardboard is great!
* Aluminum foil, white paper, or white fabric (optional) - for the reflective surface
* Tape (masking tape, gaffer's tape, or duct tape)
* Scissors or a craft knife
* Instructions:
1. Cut & Shape (Optional): If your cardboard is too big, trim it down to a manageable size and shape. A slightly curved or rounded shape can help diffuse the light a bit more.
2. Apply Reflective Surface:
* Foil: Crinkle the aluminum foil slightly (this helps diffuse the light). Tape it to one side of the cardboard, making sure it's as smooth as possible (but don't worry too much about minor wrinkles). Foil gives a brighter, specular reflection.
* White Paper: Cover one side of the cardboard with white paper. Tape it down securely. White paper gives a softer, more diffused reflection.
* White Fabric: (Like canvas, broadcloth, or even a large white t-shirt). Stretch the fabric tightly over the cardboard and secure it with tape.
3. Reinforce (Optional): Tape around the edges of the reflector to reinforce the cardboard and keep the reflective surface securely attached.
Pros: Cheapest, quickest, and easiest. Great for beginners to experiment with.
Cons: Less durable, can be flimsy, foil can be very harsh reflection.
Option 2: The Foam Core Reflector
* Materials:
* Foam core board (at least 2' x 3', available at craft stores)
* Aluminum foil, white paper, or white fabric
* Tape (masking tape, gaffer's tape)
* Scissors or a craft knife
* Instructions:
1. Cut & Shape (Optional): Trim the foam core board to your desired size.
2. Apply Reflective Surface:
* Use the same foil, paper, or fabric technique as described in Option 1.
3. Reinforce (Optional): Tape around the edges.
Pros: More durable than cardboard, smoother surface, lightweight.
Cons: Still a bit flimsy, more expensive than cardboard.
Option 3: The Fabric-Covered Frame Reflector
* Materials:
* PVC pipe (1/2" or 3/4" diameter)
* PVC pipe fittings (4 corner elbows, and pipe to make the frame)
* White ripstop nylon fabric (or similar light-diffusing fabric)
* Silver ripstop nylon fabric (or similar light-diffusing fabric)
* Sewing machine or Fabric Glue
* Bungee cords
* PVC pipe cutter or saw
* Instructions:
1. Build the Frame: Cut the PVC pipe into the lengths you need to create a rectangular frame. Assemble the frame using the corner elbows. Make sure it's sturdy.
2. Sew the Cover: Cut the ripstop nylon fabric slightly larger than the frame. Sew a pocket around the edges so that the fabric can slip over the frame. You can use fabric glue instead of sewing if you prefer. Make the cover with one side using white fabric and the other side with silver fabric, in this way the cover can be easily be flipped.
3. Attach the Cover: Slide the fabric cover over the frame. Use bungee cords to tighten the fabric, providing a smooth reflective surface.
Pros: Most durable, professional look, easy to switch between surfaces.
Cons: Most expensive, requires more effort to build.
Important Considerations for ALL Reflectors:
* Size: Bigger reflectors bounce more light and create softer results. Start with at least 2' x 3'.
* Shape: Rectangular or slightly curved shapes are common. Curved shapes can help wrap the light around the subject.
* Surface:
* White: Softest, most diffused light. Great for filling in shadows gently.
* Silver: Brighter, more specular light. Adds more punch and contrast. Use with caution (it can be harsh).
* Gold: Warmer light. Good for adding a sun-kissed glow to skin tones.
* Black: A flag, not a reflector! It *absorbs* light and is used to *subtract* light and create deeper shadows.
Part 2: Using Your Reflector for Portraits
Now that you've built your reflector, let's put it to work!
General Principles:
* Light Source: You need a light source! This can be the sun (natural light), a speedlight (flash), or a studio strobe.
* Positioning: The key is to position the reflector so that it bounces light from the light source onto your subject's face (or other areas you want to illuminate).
* Angle and Distance: The angle and distance of the reflector will affect the intensity and softness of the light. Experiment!
* Helper: Having an assistant hold the reflector is ideal, especially with larger reflectors.
* Safety (Sunlight): Never point a reflector directly at the sun and then into your subject's eyes. It can be damaging.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Assess the Light: Look at the existing light on your subject. Where are the shadows? Where is it too dark?
2. Position the Subject: Consider where your subject is relative to the main light source. Slight adjustments to their position can make a big difference.
3. Position the Reflector:
* Shadow Fill: If you're using the reflector to fill in shadows (most common use), position it on the *opposite* side of the subject from the main light source. Angle the reflector to bounce the light back onto the shadow areas.
* Main Light: In some cases, you can use the reflector as the *primary* light source. This works best with bright sunlight. Position the reflector to bounce the sunlight directly onto your subject.
4. Angle and Distance Adjustment:
* Angle: Adjust the angle of the reflector to direct the light precisely where you want it. A slight change in angle can drastically alter the effect.
* Distance: Moving the reflector closer will increase the intensity of the reflected light. Moving it further away will soften the light.
5. Watch for Catchlights: Look for catchlights (small highlights) in your subject's eyes. These add life and sparkle. Make sure the catchlights are in a pleasing position.
6. Take Test Shots: Take several test shots, adjusting the reflector's position and angle until you get the desired lighting.
7. Communicate with Your Subject: Let your subject know what you're doing and why. Make them comfortable.
Examples of Reflector Use Cases:
* Outdoor Portrait in Shade: Position the subject in the shade to avoid harsh sunlight. Use a white reflector to bounce light into their face, filling in shadows and creating a softer, more flattering look.
* Golden Hour Portrait: Use a gold reflector to enhance the warm, golden light of sunset and add a healthy glow to the skin.
* Studio Portrait with Flash: Use a reflector to bounce light from your flash onto the subject, softening the shadows and creating a more even light.
Tips and Tricks:
* Start Subtle: Don't overdo it! Start with a subtle fill and gradually increase the intensity of the reflected light until you achieve the desired effect.
* Diffusion is Key: If the light from your reflector is too harsh, try diffusing it. You can use a translucent diffuser panel (store-bought or DIY) or even a thin white sheet of fabric.
* Practice Makes Perfect: The more you experiment with reflectors, the better you'll become at understanding how they work and how to use them effectively.
* Watch the Background: Be mindful of what the reflector is reflecting in the background. Avoid reflecting distracting elements or bright spots.
* Pay attention to the color cast: If the reflected light has a strong color cast (e.g., green from nearby foliage), you may need to adjust your camera's white balance.
* Use a light stand: To get creative with your portraits a good tip is to purchase a light stand with a reflector holder, this allows you to position the reflector anywhere you wish with ease.
Troubleshooting:
* Harsh Shadows: The reflector is too close, too small, or the surface is too reflective (e.g., using bare aluminum foil). Move the reflector further away, use a larger reflector, or switch to a more diffused surface.
* Not Enough Light: The reflector is too far away, the light source is too weak, or the reflector's surface isn't reflective enough. Move the reflector closer, use a stronger light source, or switch to a more reflective surface (e.g., silver).
* Unnatural-Looking Light: The light from the reflector doesn't match the ambient light. Adjust the angle and distance of the reflector to blend the reflected light more seamlessly.
By following these steps and experimenting with different materials and techniques, you can build and use a DIY reflector to dramatically improve your portrait photography and create stunning images! Good luck and have fun!