want to build reflector, advice

thinking of building a reflector of some kind. This time I want to research before I go and do things. I have a 580exII that I am going to attach to a umbrella and stand. I just got the stand and umbrella for the holidays. it is a Westcott umbrella with shoot through, or put the black back on and a reflector. still have to play with it some to see which is better to use. I am going to set up a simple studio in basement just to play with. My wife has a bunch of white, backer material (she used this to put backing on drapes she made) figured that would be a good white background.

I was at lowes and was going to buy a bunch of pvc pipe (1 1/4") and was going to make a stand out of that to hold the top of the material so I don't have to mount it to the wall (can't leave up permanently). That should be pretty straight forward. Hopefully those are strong enough to hold the weight of the material. Also want to build a second square frame (6-7 foot tall by 3-4 foot wide) to use as a reflector to fill the opposite side of the person.

that is what I have question about. what is a good size? what sort of material should I use inside of the reflector? simple white fabric? I have seen some with two sides. for different effects. anybody have any ideas for me on building these for minimal budget but still have good usage? Not a business, just a hobby taking pictures of family and friends......

I dont know if this will help but I ran across this and it looks interesting
http://www.diyphotogra​phy.net …cheap-diy-reflector-stand

Here's what I made and use: Had a very large box that my 50" Panasonic Plasma TV delivered it. Cut one of the long sides from the shipping carton. Cut out to about 52" L by 30" wide.

Went to a craft store and bought 1/8" foam board in both white and black. Covered one side with with each using elmer's glue to attach. Taped all edges with packing tape. Now I have a pretty large reflector on one side and instant shade from the other. Total cost was about $25 in foam core board.

I've used the white side indoors but since I live in Ohio where the sun refuses to shine I haven't had the opportunity to use the 'shade side' of the reflector.

dave

snyderman wrote in post #9288925
Here's what I made and use: Had a very large box that my 50" Panasonic Plasma TV delivered it. Cut one of the long sides from the shipping carton. Cut out to about 52" L by 30" wide.

Went to a craft store and bought 1/8" foam board in both white and black. Covered one side with with each using elmer's glue to attach. Taped all edges with packing tape. Now I have a pretty large reflector on one side and instant shade from the other. Total cost was about $25 in foam core board.

I've used the white side indoors but since I live in Ohio where the sun refuses to shine I haven't had the opportunity to use the 'shade side' of the reflector.

dave

Funny, I live in cincinnati, so i understand what you are talking about! I was thinking of using foam board as it looked like a good option. I just have so much playing around to do to figure this thing out. Have good knowladge of off camera flash, when attached to camera that is. Don't have a light meter, but do have a grey card that folds up to measure off of to get exposure. just have to take tons of pictures from differnt angles of my kids dolls as "models" to see what i like.