Need to change up your light source but don't have anything that you think you can use? If you have a paper plate, or any kind of paper circle about 9 inches/23cm round, you can make a reflector for your photography in next to no time.
Edit Steps
Part 1: Creating a Circle
- If you don't have a paper plate, then cut a circle out of cardboard measuring about 9 inches/23cm in diameter. Unless it's already white cardboard, cover it with white paper. Alternatively, you could light it up even more by using mylar.
Part 2: Making the Reflector
- Determine the exact center of your circle. To do this, fold it in half. Do this at 90 degree angles to each other.
- At the crease intersection, draw a light line in each direction. See the image for guidance.
- From the center of the plate, use one of the creases to draw a line from the center of the plate to the edge. This will be a cut line.
- Using your scissors, cut the paper on the line you just drew.
- Depending on the size of your light source, cut a hole in the center of your plate/circle. Here, a circle was drawn so as to know the correct location, then a hole was cut.
Part 3: Using the Paper Circle Reflector
- Set up the light source needing a reflector.
- Put the paper circle on the light source. As shown here, the small hole goes around the light.
- Overlap the cut edges. The more you overlap the paper circle, the more focused your light will be. The less overlapped it is, the broader your light source will appear.
- Use your reflector until you've finished the photography session. Then throw it away when done, if you choose.
Edit Tips
- You will probably want to make the pencil marks lighter if you won't be covering them up with paper or mylar. That way, you can erase them more easily.
- You could make a quick emergency snoot using the same method but you want to really limit the ultimate size of your light source. Try using a rubber band to minimize it more effectively.
- If you need an even larger light source for your project, or need it to be more diffuse, use a grocery store plastic bag, and add it to the light source.
Edit Warnings
- Be very cautious and observant when exposing anything to the heat of a lamp for very long. You don't want to start a fire. It's hell on your photography.
Edit Things You'll Need
- Paper plate or paper and compass/marker to make the circle with
- Tape of some sort
- Scissors
- White plastic store bag (optional)
Edit Related wikiHows
- How to Build a Photography Lighting Reflector
- How to Make a Basic Template for Creating a DIY Reflector