photographic reflector?

Question

can someone give me some tips on what types of materials I can use to make my own reflectors. Just taking pics of small things like flower close ups. In the books you always read that they say to use a reflector.

I thought of a piece of cardboard with aluminum foil, one side shiny one side dull. Will this work?

Answer 1

All of the posters above has some good point to add. But I just want to add that if you were to use white piece of paper, just be careful because some white paper have extra blue additive or some are slightly yellow (not visible under indoor light). These may throw the color off in your photography. You can experiment and for the most part you will not have any problem (but just keep the above in mind if you get a color cast).



Also, the size of the reflector makes a difference. A single 8x10 paper will do for flower the size of a rose. But if you were to take a picture of a dozen roses then it would not be enough. Also an 8x10 on a single rose can actually create reflected light directionality (and create obvious shadow on the opposite side). But use a larger reflector and the shadow will be much softer or even gone.



And like so, for a face shot, you would need a minimum of 12 - 24 inch reflector (across). For a full length of a person, you would need something about 6 feet in height.



===

Usually the silver reflector (crumpled aluminum foil) on overcast days. On sunny days, the silver reflector side will be too harsh.



Here's a little known fact about reflector: you can create BLACK reflector. People call it black REFLECTOR but in actuality it is a light absorber. Sometimes you could be in a situation where the lighting is just too flat (even lighting everywhere). By using a BLACK REFLECTOR, you "create" a shadow area on one side or another



Reflectors are not expensive. So once you are done experimenting try one of these:



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/358606-REG/Impact_R1122_5_in_1_Reflector_Disc_.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/358607-REG/Impact_R1132_5_in_1_Reflector_Disc_.html



Good Luck



===

Don't forget to vote for the BEST ANSWER - please - whoever it may be.



FACT: You also get +3 points when you vote for BEST ANSWER

Answer 2

I'm a pro photographer now but I was poor and "making do" once.



Anything that reflects light can be a reflector. I used to do portraits indoors where I'd rig up a clothesline and hang a white sheet on it. It was a great reflector.



The reflector you propose will work well if it's large enough for the job. I assume for the side opposite the foil side, you mean it's white(?). It should be.



The foil side should be smooth and free of major wrinkles, because they will turn out to be lines or shadows on your subject.

Answer 3

White poster board is perhaps the cheapest and most commonly used reflector both in and out of the studio. If you want to produce a warmer tone a white poster board spray painted gold will work just as well, it is just that you have to get a bit closer to your subject as compared to using the white side. Personally though I just forked out the money and bought some reflectors through B&H, but I do use poster board in studio.

Answer 4

I always used a large piece of white foam core, or poster board. That always works great for fill light. If you ever find a old movie projecter screen, those work great too, cause they have their own stand and are adjustable.

Answer 5

you have already fiquired it out really,



white, silver are good



gold is good for some portraits (golden one etc)



if you are doing nature have some browns and some greens, these can make what you create often better than they really are.



make your images when your there with your vision and camera, dont rely on the computer - every change you make costs you time and quality



use boards, paper, anything realy and like said above avoid creases, roll you backgounds concave



go hard

Answer 6

You can use any reflective material that is around the home, poster board, aluminum foil (I suggest crumbling it up), white foam board and look for a Mylar Rescue blanket, they are cheap $2-$5 and they are gold and silver.



But these are not expensive for a small reflector from this company and will server your needs.



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/358633-REG/Impact_R1612_Reflector_Disc_Silver_.html



Here is the main list:



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=sort&A=search&Q=&sortDrop=Price%3A+Low+to+High&bl=&atl=Brand_Impact&pn=1&st=categoryNavigation&mnp=0.0&mxp=0.0&sv=1327&shs=&ac=&fi=all&pn=1&ci=1327&cmpsrch=&cltp=&clsgr=



Hope this helps,

Kevin