Learn how to take impressive photos without expensive gear or even leaving your home! So get digging for materials and see if it works for you!ĭo you want to learn how to take joyful and creative pictures of your children? Check out our Dreamy Childhood Portraits e-book. They can be applied to any subject in the foreground, especially portraits. If you don’t have any of the materials listed above lying around to make a reflector, you can always use anything white! Bedsheets, a recipe card, or even just a notebook with white paper can be enough in some circumstances.ĭIY reflectors are effective. Remember, you want to place the reflector on the opposite side of the light. Spend a few minutes to try different angles. When setting up your own reflector, keep an eye on what is happening to your subject.
You can tie the reflector to spare tripods (chairs or other objects) or prop them up to angle the light. If you have a bigger reflector and no assistant to hold them, you have to get a little more creative. Clip one on either end and use the handles as ‘legs’ to make them stand. Step 3: Set Up the Reflector Using Clips or a Tripodīulldog (binder) clips work wonders when dealing with smaller reflectors. Use strong tape at the back to hold it in place. When you are taping aluminum foil, you want to wrap the foil around the card. If you are using cardboard, you can cut out white cards or paper to the same dimensions. But it is perfect if you want a material that already has a brilliant white surface. Now, cut your preferred size of reflector out of foam board or cardboard. Step 2: Cut Out the Reflector and Add Paper or Foil
If you are a product photographer, you may want to make a few small ones. The size depends on your subject and how much light you want to reflect. It can be a large handheld reflector or a card-sized one. Golden tin foil can be an excellent addition if you want your reflector to add a warm and unique light to your image.Īfter choosing the material, decide on the size of your reflector. And use the diffused, dull side of the foil as well! But it doesn’t add soft light.Īnd remember, tin foil can crumple easily, and light will reflect in similar shapes to the way your foil lies on a surface. This can almost act like a new light source, which can be acceptable in dark circumstances. Tinfoil can act as a mirror and directly bounce light. But I am not a big fan of this technique. Many DIY reflector instructions tell you to use aluminum foil as a reflector material. If you want to fill shadows with natural light subtly, then use a white surface. The choice of material depends on whether you want a soft, natural addition of DIY lighting or a more harsh one. Step 1: Decide on Reflector Material and Size