How To Build A Large Reflector For Your Photography Studio

DIY Tutorial On How To Make A Large Photography Reflector For Your Photo Studio

Do you need more light in your studio? I know I did. Especially in the room where I photograph the majority of my boudoir photo shoots. Sure I have strobes, but during daytime photo shoots I prefer using natural light. 
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Here was my problem. I have a large window at the studio that lets in lots of sunlight. This window light works great for a wide variety of shots, but I wanted to have a little extra light to fill in some of the areas that were in shadow. The wall on the opposite side of this window is painted gray and because of its dark color it does not reflect much of the sunlight to fill in those shadows. So I decided to make a huge reflector  Here is a quick and easy way to make your own large self standing reflector that will give you more light and less headaches.

Here is a list of the supplies I used to make my studio reflector. You can substitute depending on your personal preference and what is available in your area. All of the items I purchased were from Lowes Home Improvement Store. You can find the large foam boards in the home insulation area.

* One piece of Rmax 3/4in x 4ft x 8ft Polyisocyanurate Insulated Sheathing. I went with this because the foam is sturdy and has a dull silver reflective side to it.

* One piece of R-Tech Insulfoam 3/4in x 4ft x 8ft Expanded Polystyrene Insulated Sheathing. This piece of foam is  white with blue print on one side and really shiny and reflective on the other. It is flimsy and lighter than the previous Rmax foam.

* Four 10in x 12in shelf brackets.
* Four machine screws w/nuts #10 32 x 3.
* Four large washers. (make sure it fits your screw)
* One 2x4 piece of wood. I cut mine into two separate pieces 2ft long.
* Screws
* Clamps
* Drill
* Flat black paint -Optional- (I paintd the dull silver side of the Rmax foam flat black. This allows me to use this side of the reflector to throw shadows back on the subject instead of lighting them)

​Now that you have the supplies its time to make the 4 x 8 foot reflector.

First, lay the foam boards on top of each other with both shiny sides facing outward. Make sure that they are lined up evenly at the bottom.
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Second, place one of the shelf brackets on the bottom of the foam boards about 1/4 of the way in. Please note that the long side of the bracket is going up the foam boards. Make a dot on the board and drill a hole. Repeat on the other side.

Third, push the machine screw through the top hole in the bracket. Next, place a washer on the screw then push the screw through the foam boards. On the reverse side of the boards, push a washer and top hole of your second bracket onto the screw and tighten with the nut. I used a piece of gaffers tape to hold the bracket in place while tightening. Repeat this step to the other side. 

Fourth, clamp the foam boards together on each side at the top. 

Next, stand the reflector up and place the 2x4 underneath the shelf brackets. Line up each side so they are straight and even on all sides.

Lastly, drill into the 2x4 with your screws to hold it securely to the wood. Repeat this to every hole on the bracket.

And there you have it. Your very own 4 foot by 8 foot reflector. This reflector works great inside any photography studio or outdoors. Because of the size of this reflector it may blow over if it is windy outside so be careful. 

I hope you enjoyed this Do It Yourself photography reflector tutorial. If so, please comment and share.