We have all been there, we setup our reflector outside only to have the wind start to play games with us. It can be really annoying and is a common problem for low-budget indie film crews with only a few people. Well today I wanted to feature a great DIY reflector designed to combat this exact issue, making it perfect for outdoor video and photo work when people to hold reflectors are at a premium.
Parts List:
- Particle Board – http://www.homedepot.com/p/3-8-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-Particleboard-Underlayment-604461/100058485?N=12ky#.UfDYCo1wrh5
- Reflective Film – http://www.homedepot.com/p/Viagrow-25-ft-Mylar-2-mil-Reflective-Film-VMY130/202985200#.UfDCPo1wrh4
- Contact Cement – http://www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-Weldwood-1-Gal-Non-Flamable-Contact-Cement-203898/202588232#.UfC1oo1wrh4
This is a great reflector that I plan on using myself in my own video work in the coming months. They are cheap and easy to put together (as you can see in the video), so if anything happens to them they are easy to replace if need be.
What are your thoughts on this DIY reflector build? Is it something that you may use in the future? Let us know in a comment below.
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Although heavier, this is pre-made, very solid, and less expensive. 7/16 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. OSB TechShield Radiant Barrier. I hold it with the grip head of a c-stand. You can get 4 24″ x 30″ flags out of one. sheet I got 2 for free off the scrap pile on a new home construction site.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-7-16-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-OSB-TechShield-Radiant-Barrier-22493/202106242#.Un7Ih_nnt8E
I am looking for a way to make a similar gold reflector (no inexpensive way yet).
What I use is just the 36×80 bifold smooth doors from home depot, folds to 18×80 and has enough weight so it does not blow over. (and at 80 inches it fits in most suv’s with no problem).
For me the video that is shown is “Summer IN” – short film contest
For video I think this is a very effective idea and solution to the problem with light reflectors in outdoor locations. The main drawbacks to them will be transportation as they don’t collapse down to the size of a 5-in-1 reflector and the weight (although this is a positive too in combating wind). Provided you have the vehicle to fit them in and don’t mind lugging them to the actual location. They definitely would have their benefits over a 5-in-1, especially for the flickering that can be generated. For photography, something like a Lastolite Uplite would be better.
I’d perhaps cut a couple of slits/holes out on each side so you can fit your fingers through for carrying. That would be much better than trying to clamp it under your arm and depending on the thickness, you probably could carry 2-3 boards in this manner in one hand. You could also attach a few bits of wood with hinges so that you can angle the boards into position.
Its low tech but, so what. Its about the end result. Cheap, pretty durable and when they wear out its easy enough to repair/replace.