As photographers and artists, we are usually on a tight budget since we are always buying (or wanting to buy) new gear. So when there are easy ways to cut some corners, giving us a few extra pennies to put toward the next lens on our wish list, we take it. Reflectors are essential tools for shaping and redirecting light, and the good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune to get one. A DIY reflector can work just as effectively as a store-bought option for a fraction of the cost. Whether you need a quick solution for an impromptu shoot or want a more permanent setup for your studio, we’ve got you covered with three different methods ranging from a simple five-minute build to a professional-grade adjustable triple reflector.
DIY Reflector Methods: At a Glance
Each method below offers different advantages depending on your budget, time, and intended use. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Foam Board Reflector – Simple, affordable, and great for beginners
- DIY Triple Reflector – Professional-grade adjustable setup for studio work
- Emergency Foam and Foil Reflector – Quick solution when you forget your gear
- White vs. Silver Reflectors – Understanding when to use each surface
- Frequently Asked Questions – Common questions about DIY reflectors
DIY Foam Board Reflector (The Slanted Lens Method)
As some guy once said, “A penny saved is a penny earned,” (yes, I know it was Benjamin Franklin) and this following tutorial from The Slanted Lens shows us a way to pinch some of those pennies by making your own reflector.
This method uses rigid foam insulation board from Home Depot, which already has a reflective silver coating on one side. The beauty of this approach is that you get both a silver and white reflector surface with minimal effort. The insulation board is lightweight, rigid enough to stand on its own or be held by an assistant, and large enough to provide soft, even light on your subject.
Materials and Cost
- Rigid foam insulation board (available at Home Depot or Lowe’s) – $10-20 depending on size
- Gaffer tape or duct tape – $5-15
- Utility knife or box cutter – likely already owned
Total cost: Under $25
Build time: 10-15 minutes
Best for: Studio portraits, product photography, anyone wanting a large, rigid reflector
How to Build It
In the video below, Jay P. demonstrates the full process. He starts with a large piece of insulation board and cuts it to a more manageable size, though you can purchase smaller pieces if you prefer. Once cut, he removes the silver foil backing from one side to reveal the plain white foam underneath. This gives you two reflector surfaces in one: silver for punchy, specular light and white for softer fill. Finally, he tapes the two pieces together with gaffer tape, creating a foldable V-flat style reflector that can stand on its own.
The hinged design is particularly useful because it allows the reflector to stand freely without assistance, and you can adjust the angle of each panel to control how the light wraps around your subject. For studio work, this is one of the most practical DIY reflector designs you can build.
DIY Adjustable Triple Reflector
The tried and true triple reflector is a favorite for glamour photography and headshots because it wraps light beautifully around the face, filling shadows under the chin and eyes while adding catchlights. Commercial versions can cost hundreds of dollars, but this DIY tutorial will show you how to make one for less than $40.
This tip was sent in by Jim Berton, who is a product photographer for www.stormykromer.com, an apparel manufacturer. He uses this DIY triple reflector daily for products and corporate headshots for his company. Berton says he got the inspiration to make this reflector from the DIY posts that we feature from time to time.
Materials and Cost
Berton used a short piece of PVC pipe mounted on a cheap light stand so that different heights could be achieved easily. The reflector panels are made from ripstop nylon, which is lightweight, durable, and available in both white and mirrored finishes. He actually built two complete sets: one in white for softer fill light, and another in mirrored material for more specular reflection.
- PVC pipe and fittings (see measurements below)
- Ripstop nylon fabric (white or mirrored)
- Light stand with standard mounting hardware
Total cost: $28 with white ripstop, $36 with mirrored ripstop
Build time: 1-2 hours
Best for: Headshots, beauty photography, product photography, anyone who shoots portraits regularly
Build Instructions
Here are the detailed instructions with the measurements for the PVC pipe cuts and all materials needed. The adjustable design means you can angle each of the three reflector panels independently, giving you precise control over how light fills your subject’s face.
The genius of this design is the adjustability. Unlike fixed reflectors, you can fine-tune each panel to match your lighting setup and your subject’s face shape. The light stand mounting also means you can work solo without needing an assistant to hold the reflector in place.
Thanks for sharing your project with us, Jim.
Emergency Foam and Foil Reflector
Time, space, capability, usability, and unless you’re a shooter along the vein of Mario Testino, money. These are all precious to photographers.
In a studio or on location, situations of compromise often arise. Maybe you’re running late to a shoot because you lost track of time down the rabbit hole of post-processing, or you’re a one-person team for the day since you’ve exhausted your friend-bank of “assistants.” Or perhaps you just dropped rent on a piece of glass that’s the lens embodiment of a Victoria’s Secret model, and now can’t afford the new scrim you want. This quick DIY reflector method can help.
All photographs below by Kishore Sawh are copyrighted and have been used with permission for SLR Lounge. Do not copy, modify, or re-post this article or images without express permission. You can also follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
During a beach shoot in Miami with time constraints and a guilted assistant (read: friend), Kishore realized he had forgotten his reflector. But the shoot had to happen. What follows is his improvised solution that yielded surprisingly professional results. Built in mere moments with crude materials, this emergency DIY reflector proved that you don’t always need fancy gear to get great light.
Given just 15 minutes, it is possible to make foam board and foil into something that looks crisp and presentable. The shiny side of the foil proved a large and bright reflective surface in the Miami sun, while the white of the foam board was actually brilliant at softening that equatorial blaze into something soft and flattering.
Before and After Comparison
The examples below illustrate the model shot using each side of the reflector, and without. Notice how dramatically the fill light changes the shadows on the face and the overall mood of the image.
What You Need
- 1 foam board (carried in most pharmacies, typical poster board dimensions)
- 1 roll aluminum foil
- 1 roll of tape
- 1 knife or scissors
- Glue stick (optional but recommended)
Total cost: Under $10
Build time: 5-15 minutes
Best for: Emergency situations, travel photography, beginners on a tight budget
How to Build It
Step 1: Select one end of the board to host the handle. From the center of that side, cut a quadrilateral 3″ x 2″ section about 3″ from the base. This creates a grip area so you or your assistant can hold the reflector comfortably.
Step 2: Layer your foil in sheets across the width of the board. Leave an inch on each side for overlap and secure the foil with tape. Ensure the foil is as taut around the board as possible. Using a glue stick here is advantageous as it allows an even crinkling of foil and creates a more secure bond, leaving little to no air between the foil and the board.
Step 3 (optional): Wrap the handle area with tape a few times over. This aids in the structural integrity of that section and makes for easier handling during longer shoots.
This isn’t meant as a replacement for proper gear like Lastolite TriGrips or Sunbounce reflectors, but for those who are just starting out and need practice, or you find yourself in a jam as Kishore did, this may just be your ticket. The results speak for themselves.
White vs. Silver Reflectors: When to Use Each
Understanding the difference between white and silver reflector surfaces will help you get the most out of your DIY build. Each surface produces distinctly different light quality, and knowing when to use each one will dramatically improve your results.
White Reflector Surfaces
White surfaces produce soft, diffused fill light that looks natural and flattering. The light bounced from a white reflector is gentle, making it ideal for portraits where you want to fill shadows without creating harsh secondary highlights. White is more forgiving with positioning since the light spreads evenly, and it won’t overpower your main light source. Use white when shooting in already bright conditions, when you want subtle fill, or when working close to your subject’s face.
Silver Reflector Surfaces
Silver surfaces produce brighter, more specular light with more contrast. The reflection is punchier and can create visible catchlights in your subject’s eyes. Silver works well when your light source is weaker (such as overcast days or shade), when you need to throw light over a longer distance, or when you want a more dramatic fill. The tradeoff is that silver can sometimes be too intense, especially in direct sunlight, and requires more precise positioning to avoid hot spots.
Quick Reference
Choose white for: soft fill, close distances, bright ambient light, natural-looking portraits, and beginners who are still learning reflector positioning.
Choose silver for: stronger fill, longer distances, overcast or shaded conditions, dramatic lighting, and creating prominent catchlights.
This is exactly why building a double-sided DIY reflector (like Method 1 and Method 3 above) is so practical. You get both options in one tool and can quickly flip between them as conditions change.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Reflectors
What can I use as a reflector for photography?
Almost any white or reflective surface can work as a photography reflector. Common DIY options include foam board, poster board, cardboard covered in aluminum foil, white bed sheets, car windshield sun shades, and even a piece of white paper for small product shots. The key is finding something large enough to bounce sufficient light and rigid enough to position where you need it.
How big should a DIY reflector be?
For portrait photography, aim for a reflector at least 20 inches wide to provide even coverage across your subject’s face. Larger reflectors (30-40 inches) produce softer light because they create a bigger relative light source. For headshots and beauty work, bigger is generally better. For product photography, you can get away with smaller reflectors sized appropriately to your subject.
Is a white or silver reflector better?
Neither is universally better because they serve different purposes. White reflectors produce softer, more natural-looking fill light and are more forgiving with positioning. Silver reflectors produce stronger, more specular light that travels farther and creates brighter catchlights. Most photographers prefer white for general portrait work and silver for overcast conditions or when they need more punch. Building a double-sided reflector gives you both options.
Can I use cardboard and aluminum foil as a reflector?
Yes, cardboard with aluminum foil attached makes an effective DIY reflector. The cardboard provides rigidity while the foil creates a highly reflective silver surface. For best results, use a glue stick to attach the foil smoothly, or intentionally crinkle the foil slightly before attaching to create a more diffused reflection that reduces hot spots. You can leave one side as plain cardboard (or cover it with white paper) to have both silver and white options.
How far should a reflector be from the subject?
Reflector distance depends on the effect you want and the reflector surface you’re using. For soft, subtle fill with a white reflector, position it 2-4 feet from your subject. For stronger fill or when using silver, you can move it back to 4-8 feet. The closer the reflector, the softer and more intense the fill light. Start close and move it back until you achieve the shadow fill you’re looking for.
Conclusion
If the most important tool for a photographer is light, then the most important accessory should be a light modifier. If you know how to harness light and make it work for you, you can create countless looks. One of our favorite light modifiers, which is versatile and inexpensive, is a reflector. Reflectors over the years have come in all shapes and sizes and can be used in many different ways.
Whether you build the simple foam board reflector for under $25, invest a few hours in Jim’s adjustable triple reflector for studio work, or keep the emergency foam and foil method in your back pocket for when you forget your gear, these DIY reflector options prove you don’t need expensive equipment to get professional results. Start with whichever method fits your budget and needs, and remember that the best reflector is the one you actually have with you on the shoot.
Do you have a DIY project you’ve created? Show us in the comments below or share them in the SLR Community Facebook page here.
