Homemade, Very adjustable reflector

When I started doing table-top photography with my Canon Powershot G2 and 420EX flash, I needed a way to modify the lighting to give me the effect of at least two light sources and also needed to soften the light. I dreamed up the idea of a pair of portable reflectors and built them. The photos here are of one of the reflectors.

What you see is a cheapie light stand which could be duplicated with 2x2 lumber and a 3/8" diameter rod, an adjustable arm that I built from wood and common hardware, a holder for the reflector with kitchen clips to mount the reflector, and an automotive window shade for the reflector itself. I also used foamcore for a less harsh reflection. Hopefully the photos have enough detail for you to understand the construction. If not, ask and I shall provide more information and/or more closeup photos.

The beauty of this holder is that the reflector can be put into virtually any position you can think of. I still use these in conjunction with all my other lighting equipment.

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Very innovative indeed!

I like it, Skip!
I have some reflectors just like that. Their achilles' heal is that they're too flimsy to control outdoors if there's any breeze. One way to solve this problem and add versatility would be to mount the reflector to a piece of white foam core. This would stiffen it up, and you could use either side of it. The downside of this would be that the reflector would no longer fold up for storage and transport.

Nice job, Skip!

It does look as if it will flop around some. I'm sure that you'd need a couple of sandbags, too. In the studio though, it should be great.