DIY Reflector Panel and Angled Reflector

Well, I got really bored while waiting for the rest of my lighting set up to be delivered, so I decided to use my restless energy on a couple of foamcore reflectors...

As for the full length reflector panel, I could have built a 4x8' "bookend," which is easier and simpler, but I opted for a panel for its multipurpose, as well as its modular, uses. After I built this, I found Robert's (TMR Design) old posting about the same project except much better than mine. So if anyone's interested in this project, take a look at his as well here:

https://photography-on-the.net …91552&highlight​=reflector

The similarities between his and mine are the material and its modularity and multifunctionality. The differences are that I used 1/2" PVC tubing (his is thicker, I think) and hung with a couple of rings through corner holes that are protected from wear and tear with 1/8" white fashion eyelets. All four corners have the eyelets in case I want to tie all four corners.


The panel can go taller or shorter by simply taking the couplers off on both legs and adjusting the height with whatever length tubes... I decided to hang (rather than attaching) the foamcore in order to be flexible, i.e., you can hang a black foamcore on the reverse side through the same rings, or take the whole thing off and use a fabric or whatever the situation calls for....

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Good job SooYoung. These DIY's are great because they're inexpensive, functional, and great for learning.

TMR Design wrote in post #5174413
Good job SooYoung. These DIY's are great because they're inexpensive, functional, and great for learning.

Thanks, Robert. I was just now in the process of making a background support for hanging both my black and white papers on top of each other, but it turns out I'm one PVC tube short... I miscalculated the measurement... Back to Lowe's tomorrow...

Well, my first ever home made, one-light studio shoot with the above reflectors. I do know that I messed it up not having a clue as to how to control the lighting...

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Hi SooYoung. I wouldn't say you messed up but as you probably know, it's hard to model the face correctly with stuffed animals and substitute subjects such as you've done.

You can, however experiment with use the reflectors to return light to select areas and you can also learn how to isolate the subject from the background and create background lighting.

Once you have a human subject you'll be able to see the highlights and shadows on the face, nose, neck and chin, and you'll be able to manipulate the light that returns.

You're off to a great start. Keep it going.

TMR Design wrote in post #5179503
Hi SooYoung. I wouldn't say you messed up but as you probably know, it's hard to model the face correctly with stuffed animals and substitute subjects such as you've done.

You can, however experiment with use the reflectors to return light to select areas and you can also learn how to isolate the subject from the background and create background lighting.

Once you have a human subject you'll be able to see the highlights and shadows on the face, nose, neck and chin, and you'll be able to manipulate the light that returns.

You're off to a great start. Keep it going.

Thanks, Robert. I just posted a new topic with my young son as the subject where I did play around with reflectors in different positions to see their effects. I'd appreciate if you'd offer some comments on those, as well.

Link please?

EDIT: Never mind. I didn't realize you posted to this forum. I see it now.