Photography is the capture of light by film or sensors that serve as the first step in creating a digital image. Enhancing or improving the light can be the difference between a good photograph and something that will be destroyed or deleted as a failure. Light is improved by many camera accessories, including flash units and reflectors. For budget-minded photographers a do-it-yourself photographic reflector can be the preferred tool in getting the picture.
Selecting a Reflector to Build
The simplest homemade reflector is a car-window reflector. These items are meant to be placed in the windshield of a parked car to keep the interior cool. They often have a collapsible wire frame for easy storage. Choose one with a silver finish on at least one side. Some models of auto shades can be divided into two parts to make a unit that is easier to handle.
Another homemade reflector is more rigid. Acquire a piece of foam board and cut to the size of reflector desired. Cover the foam board with crinkled tin foil taped in place. Balling up the foil creates a crinkled finish offering a softer reflected light.
A third option is an aluminum-surfaced camping emergency blanket. This flexible material often has one surface that looks similar to aluminum foil, while the other side is often white. The blanket can be placed over a foam board frame or a homemade framework of pipe or heavy wire.
Advantages of Homemade Reflectors
Reflectors can be built to almost any size for special situations. Small reflectors are best for use in macro photography and in situations where portability is necessary.
Larger reflectors can be used to light large areas but are difficult to move from location to location.
Cost of these reflectors will be less than commercially purchased items. By keeping costs down, photographers can create several reflectors of various sizes for a variety of situations.
